held up, ridden and headway after 2 out, led and mistake last, ran on
led after 1st, clear after next, ridden and headed approaching last, kept on same pace
led, headed after 1st, chased leader to 3 out, soon weakened
held up, pushed along after 5th, improved to go 2nd 3 out, ridden and headway after 2 out, chased winner last, one pace flat
5th when fell 1st
soon tailed off
chased leaders, pushed along after 3rd, outpaced 3 out, rallied approaching last, stayed on flat
The big guns are out in force here, and Back In Front is taken to stamp his Champion Hurdle claims by beating Rooster Booster and Inglis Drever. Back In Front has to shoulder a penalty for winning last year's Morgiana Hurdle, but his second to Harchibald at Punchestown, conceding 5lb, looks all the better after the latter's very impressive success over Inglis Drever in the Newcastle's Fighting Fifth Hurdle. With that in mind, Eddie O'Grady's star should go close to adding another victory here to his tally, having gained his biggest success to date in the 2003 Supreme Novices' Hurdle. Rooster Booster is not getting any younger but does set the standard, having won this race two years ago, and of course covering himself in glory when taking the Champion Hurdle last year. He seems to be getting that bit slower now though, and was only fifth in this event 12 months ago. It will be interesting to see what tactics are employed with Inglis Drever as a steady pace will not suit him either, but as he is usually held up it is hard to envisage him attempting to make the pace. He has it to do with Back In Front on a line through Harchibald and a bigger danger may be Flame Creek. He was fourth last year but does not carry a penalty this time, and as he finished ahead of Back In Front at Leopardstown this time last year, can be given a squeak, if his jumping does not let him down. However, we return to Back In Front as the answer.
