Donald McCain admits the Festival target for Peddlers Cross will become clearer after the Howies Restaurants Edinburgh Hurdle at Musselburgh.

The 2011 Champion Hurdle runner-up has his first outing over timber since the Aintree Hurdle a month after his fine performance at Cheltenham.

Last season he ran over fences, but not everything went to plan and he was well beaten behind Sir Des Champs in the Jewson Novices' Chase.

This term his only appearance has been in a jumpers' bumper at Kempton, where he shaped well to finish second, and the intermediate trip of two miles and six furlongs should tell McCain whether to aim at the Champion Hurdle, the World Hurdle or even wait for Aintree.

"We'll have to decide where he goes after tomorrow because he won't be having another run in between," said the Cheshire handler.

"I've spoken to the clerk of the course and there's a good bit of rain coming in during the morning so it will ride a bit softer than they are describing it now (good), but it will still be the best ground we are going to get anywhere at the moment.

"The trip is ideal really as it should tell us which way we are heading. The race has been added especially for us."

McCain also runs Ubaltique, while completing the four-runner field are Keith Reveley's useful mare Cue To Cue and Michael Smith's dual purpose performer Orsippus.

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests