held up, behind, some headway when badly hampered 2 out, no chance after
started slowly, reluctant to race, some late moderate headway
refused to race, took no part
always behind, lost touch 5th, tailed off when fell 2 out
prominent, ridden from 5th, losing place when hampered 2 out
led after 1st, set strong pace and soon well clear, joined and hit 5th, headed soon after 2 out, weakened before last
in touch, hard driven, mistake 5th, no chance when blundered last
prominent until weakened 5th
held up in mid-division, mistake 2nd, headway under pressure before 3 out, hung left, kept on same pace before last
held up towards rear, good headway 5th, challenged on bit 2 out, soon led, quickened clear approaching last, easily
close up until ridden and weakened 3 out
always behind, mistake 3rd, tailed off 3 out
started slowly, mistake 1st, always behind
not fluent, held up behind, mistake 2nd and next, stayed on under pressure from 2 out, never nearer
started slowly, reluctant to race, behind, stayed on under pressure approaching 3 out, close up when slightly hampered 2 out, soon chased winner but no impression
led to after 1st, chased leader to 4th, ridden and outpaced approaching 3 out, weakening when hampered next
With Istabraq consigned to legend, the time has come for a new superstar in the hurdling ranks, and if the hype is to be believed, Rhinestone Cowboy is the next big thing. Granted, he was extremely unlucky in last year¿s Champion Bumper when edged out by Pizarro, and yes, he has toyed with the opposition this term in a manner that suggests he has the potential to go right to the top. But hang on, lets not get too carried away-at Wincanton last time, in beating fellow novice Thisthatandtother, albeit very easily, reigning champion Hor La Loi 111 was third but definitely in need of the run and has since done a sparkling piece of homework. James Fanshawe, who remember also sent out Royal Gait to land the big prize in 1992, reckons we will see a different horse today. Even Jonjo O¿Neill is unconvinced that the market has got it right, stating that he would choose Intersky Falcon based on what the stable pair have achieved so far. Indeed, the latter has improved out of all recognition since winning a handicap hurdle at Doncaster off a mark of 109 just over a year ago. Victories in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle and the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton have helped the pocket battleship to a rating of 162, and no-one can argue that it has not been earned. Expect another good effort from last year¿s runner-up Marble Arch as well. Hughie Morrison¿s charge has not had ground conditions to suit this season, but his chances will increase if the going gets any faster, and he looked in good shape when being prepared with a victory on Lingfield¿s Polytrack recently. Plans to put Flame Creek over fences were put on hold after his continued success over timber, and he too has looked the part, particularly at Haydock. However, like Rhinestone Cowboy, there is that niggling doubt about his jumping ability at speed, although he will have no problems with the faster ground. Like-A-Butterfly has only been beaten once in her life, but even now, might not be razor sharp after her defeat of Limestone Lad over what was too short a trip for him. The one to be on could well be yet another improver in the shape of Rooster Booster. Who would have thought that just 12 months after winning the County Hurdle, Philip Hobbs¿ grey would be many people¿s idea of the new champion. But that is indeed the case, as a string of impressive victories, including over Quazar here in November, have proved. He beat Landing Light well enough in the Bula, and despite being 4lb worse off, should still have too much power for Nicky Henderson¿s runner who will do well to better last year¿s fifth position. The ground was bad, and they went too slow in the Agfa Hurdle at Sandown last time, when Richard Johnson had to work hard to get Rooster Booster home against Self Defence. The stronger gallop and faster ground will suit the nine-year-old, who can continue his love affair with Cheltenham who can gain his fourth and most important success at the home of National-Hunt racing. Finally, if you are looking for a big outsider, have a look at Copeland. He was the last horse to beat Intersky Falcon and has beaten Rooster Booster in the past. Down the field on his return to action in the Tote Gold Trophy, expect a bolder showing from Martin Pipe¿s inmate who might just sneak into the frame.
