held up in touch, headway to lead 3rd, made rest, driven out
held up in rear, headway approaching 4 out to track leaders, ridden and effort 2 out, faded run in
led, headed after 2nd, dropped rear next, soon lost touch
held up, headway approaching 4 out to track leaders, went 2nd approaching 3 out, hard ridden and effort approaching last, one pace run in
chased leaders to halfway, weakened 4 out, soon lost touch
Another cracker to look forward to here with reining Champion Hurdler Rooster Booster taking on Copeland and the highly regarded Specular and the confident vote goes to Rooster Booster. The gelding from the Philip Hobbs yard has not been at the top of his game of late but he was a good second behind Intersky Falcon last time and with the rain softened ground sure to suit he is taken to score with a fast early pace looking likely with the outclassed Fifth Generation likely to force the issue. Specular has a large reputation and is from a top yard so he is worth noting. He was at the top in Australia and is sure to improve. However many horses that come over from abroad take a while to acclimatise and he looks plenty short enough in the betting with this in mind. Hasty Prince was a fair third behind Rigmarole last time and could also go well but his best form is on much faster ground so for that reason is opposed. Copeland would have a chance on his best form but he was disappointing in a chase last time. However the switch back to hurdles could rekindle his enthusiasm and he could run well at a big price. However we are happy to side with the champion Rooster Booster
