[cadaver]

Is it not problematic that this year’s race is being analysed mainly in the light of last year’s form? A year or two ago rooster Booster was struggling to get his head in front in handicaps, and then improved significantly last year to win the Champion hurdle very impressively. The question is not whether he is a great horse or the quality of his performance last year, but his potential to maintain the same level of form this year despite his advancing years. Rhinestone Cowboy did a lot better in this year’s race than the Rooster Booster of 2002 would have managed, is open to a lot of improvement, and, in my opinion, has shown that he is not soft or a bridle horse in races like the Champion Bumper despite losing out to Pizarro (reverse jockeys and he would have won an bridle), and indeed, in last year’s Champion Hurdle, where despite horrendous jumping errors, he battled on in the hands of a Williamson. BTW, I’m for one am glad he’s getting a new jockey, perhaps one with a bit more fire in his belly!

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