led and mistakes, ridden and headed 2 out, not quicken flat
held up, hit 5th and 6th, soon weakened
soon chasing leader, led 2 out, pushed clear flat
lost touch from 4th
The 2003 Champion Hurdle winner Rooster Booster was not at his best last term and while he showed that he still retains ability when successful at Sandown in April, the 11-year-old may not be one to take too short of a price about and preference is for Hasty Prince. The selection failed to make the grade over fences last term although the yard's horses were under a cloud and was back over hurdles on his recent return at Tipperary. That outing should have put Jonjo O'Neill's gelding spot on for today and he is given the vote. Peter Bowen's Genghis is capable but faces no easy task at the weights, while My Sharp Grey looks out of his depth.
Genghis (IRE) 3-1fav (10-13) Led, ridden and hit 3 out, headed before next, weakened last, 6th of 11, 12l behind Coat of Honour (10-0) at Haydock 2m hcp hdl Grd 3 (A) gs in May.
Hasty Prince 14-1 (11-12) Prominent, 2nd from 4th, 3rd and ridden after 3 out, soon no extra, 4th of 7, 10l behind Harchibald (11-12) at Tipperary 2m hdl Grd 1 sft.
Rooster Booster 8-1 (11-12) Held up in rear, headway and hung left approaching 2 out, soon ridden, no extra towards finish, 4th of 11, 9l behind Coat of Honour (10-0) at Haydock 2m hcp hdl Grd 3 (A) gs in May.
My Sharp Grey 66-1 (11-12) Always towards rear, last of 15, 43l behind Young Tot (11-2) at Towcester 2m hcp hdl 0-95 (F) gf.
