Rely on Rooster
The ten-year-old continues in terrific shape and his record shows him to be more effective at Prestbury Park than anywhere else.
He comes here on the back of a quite brilliant performance in the Tote Gold Trophy at Newbury last time.
The selection humped 11-12 in that fiercely competitive handicap and almost shrugged it off, going down by a short head to the 17lbs receiving Geos. There can be no argument that is the single best piece of form on offer for today's showpiece.
A year ago Rooster Booster simply annihilated his rivals with a breathtaking display of speed and staying power. He beat Westender in Istabraq-like fashion by a whopping 11 lengths and there is every reason to believe Philip Hobbs' charge will strip in the same sort of mood now.
The one concern is the well-documented possibility of a slow pace. The rather surprise presence of Hardy Eustace in the line-up, however, may be a help. He tried to make all when beaten narrowly by Georges Girl at Gowran Park. The strapping Fota Island is another who has front-run in the past.
Rigmarole has gone from strength to strength all season and is rated the biggest danger. He too has shown a liking for Cheltenham and was hugely impressive when slamming Intersky Falcon at Wincanton.
Fota Island, third to Foreman in the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown in January, has been absolutely flying in his homework of late and may emerge as a live outsider!
Kicking King gets the nap to land the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy and give Tom Taaffe a first ever success at the Festival.
There won't be a dry eye in the house if the six-year-old does the business with Taaffe's father, Pat, having been associated with the legendary Arkle for many years.
There are solid reasons for thinking Kicking King capable of turning-over certain market leader, Thisthatandtother.
The son of Old Vic ran a gallant race last year to chase home Back In Front in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and has taken really well to fences. He was below par at Leopardstown in January when winning the Irish equivalent, the Arkle Cup, beating Central House by three and a half lengths and has been freshened up in the meantime for this his ultimate test.
Selections
2.00 Zum See
2.40 Kicking King (nap)
3.20 Rooster Booster (n.b)
4.00 Haut Cercy
4.40 Innox
5.20 Keepatem
