Jason Maguire has admitted that he still believes Peddlers Cross will have to be at his very best if he is going to beat reigning Champion Hurdler Binocular at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.

Maguire was left thrilled when he beat Binocular aboard Donald McCain’s stable star in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle earlier in the month but the jockey thinks that there could be more to come from Nicky Henderson’s multiple Grade One winner.

"I know we beat Binocular the last day, but come March he will be a different horse. He had problems last year and went back to Ireland for a while, but he looked the real deal when he won at Cheltenham," the rider explained.

Speaking about Peddlers Cross Maguire continued: "He's a special horse. When he won his bumper on his debut we knew we had a good horse. He was keen that day and still picked up. Everyone dreams about having a good horse, he did it at Cheltenham and he was impressive the other day.

"He goes to Haydock now for the Champion Hurdle Trial and I think Nicky Henderson has said last year's Triumph Hurdle winner takes us on.

"He was keen early in his career but the team at home have put a lot of work into him and he tries his heart out.

"At Newbury he was low and quick when he took it up three out he really battled when they came to him - he had Binocular behind him and then Starluck came after the last.  Donald likes his horses ridden positively because they are fit and tough, and they pull out more.