held up well off the pace, not fluent 3rd, went 25 lengths 2nd after 3 out, weakened and mistake 2 out
held up in 4th but well of the pace, mistake 3rd, struggling 4 out, tailed off
raced in 3rd well off the pace, weakened 3 out
held up and well off the pace, steady headway to go 3rd after 3 out, chased clear leader and 12 lengths down 2 out, 5 lengths down last, pushed along to lead final 100 yards
chased clear leader and clear of rest, weakened approaching 2 out, beaten when mistake last
not fluent, held up, stayed on to go poor 3rd and mistake 2 out, no chance with leading pair
led, jumped right 2nd, 25 lengths clear after 4th, came back to field approaching 2 out, 5 lengths clear but under pressure last, weakened and headed final 100 yards
Harchibald can continue his phenomenal rise through the ranks at the expense of Rooster Booster in a disappointing turnout for such a decent prize. The fact that Noel Meade's whole operation has centred around bringing Harchibald across the Irish Sea - and more pertinently ensuring Paul Carberry is here to ride him speaks volumes. His form on the track isn't too bad either with a victory over subsequent Bula scorer, Back In Front and a rout in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle already in the locker. Some may have criticised the ride given to Rooster Booster by Richard Johnson in the Bula but the jockey had little choice in a field of hold up performers. Rooster Booster does at least have some hope in that Castleshane should ensure a fast pace from flagfall. Unfortunately his frailties in a finish have been cruelly exposed all too often in the big races and he looks sure to be run out of it once again when push comes to shove. Arcalis is an audacious entry by Howard Johnson. He was classy on the flat and while he has cheered odds-on backers up on two hurdling starts, his jumping technique is agricultural to say the least. Perouse is the forgotten horse having disappointed slightly in the Fighting fifth. He would need to run a career best to land this but if Ruby Walsh can settle him early, there will be worse longshots. This is a step up in grade for French raider Blue Canyon while Castleshane should enjoy an uncontested lead before the cards are played at the business end. Impek runs here in preference to the King George and while he had some fair form a few seasons ago over hurdles, its asking a lot for him to start beating Champion Hurdle candidates at this stage in his career. Harchibald has looked impressive thus far and we see no reason to oppose him this time around.
