Jockey Jason Maguire has admitted he can’t wait to be reunited with Peddlers Cross when the unbeaten hurdler takes his chance in the Victor Chandler Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso on Thursday.

Donald McCain’s stable star was last seen beating off the likes of Binocular and Starluck to win the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newbury in November, but he hasn’t seen a racecourse since and connections are desperate to get a run into the six-year-old before next month’s Champion Hurdle.

Maguire is confident that his mount has recovered from any setbacks and he believes he will maintain his unbeaten record at Kelso.

"They say the ground has dried out a bit and obviously I can't wait to ride him again," said Maguire.

"It's obviously been a while since he ran, so I'm looking forward to it. We want to get a clear round and then it will be all systems go for Cheltenham.  He seems 100% at home and he needs to run.

"He's only had one run this season and we need to get him out again.  Anything can happen in racing - Zaynar was beaten at 1-14 in this race last year.

"But we just want to give our horse a run and hopefully he can maintain his unbeaten record."

McCain continued: "I have decided to run Peddlers Cross up at Kelso in the Morebattle Hurdle.  He is in good form and schooled well over hurdles."