chased leaders, led 6th, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, chasing leaders when slightly hampered after 2 out, soon weakened
held up and keen, headway to lead 3 out, soon ridden, headed last, kept on same pace
held up behind, ridden and headway approaching 3 out, kept on from next no impression
mid-division, hit 7th, ridden and headway approaching 3 out, soon weakened
always prominent, hit 4 out, effort approaching 3 out, ridden and hampered after 2 out and last, kept on to lead last 100 yards
held up, ridden and headway approaching 3 out, led last, kept on, kept on flat headed last 100 yards
in touch, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out
held up and keen, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out
led to 6th, remained close up, ridden and headed 3 out, hit next, weakened last
close up, ridden approaching 3 out, jumped left 2 out and last, kept on
Rooster Booster went down by just a head in this event 12 months ago after Richard Johnson lost his whip, so has to be respected, but it can be argued that the 10-year-old is not in the same form this term so the vote goes to Intersky Flacon, who gets the verdict over stablemate Rhinestone Cowboy. The last mentioned is an admirable performer who lost no caste in defeat in the Coral Cup last time. However, whatever you feel about his amateur rider there is no doubting that an inability for him being able to use his 7lb claim in this contest is a big negative to the horses¿ chances. Rhinestone Cowboy's conqueror at Cheltenham, Monkerhostin, has more to do at the weights today and of more interest may be County Hurdle winner Sporazene and Nicky Henderson's unexposed French import Sleep Bal. The one that makes most appeal though is Intersky Falcon. Jonjo O'Neill's gelding has a bit to find with Rooster Booster on Champion Hurdle form but he has always been better on a flat track, has winning form over the 2m4f trip and his trainer's runners here always warrant the utmost of respect. Intersky Falcon gets the vote.
