Bookies mopping brows as Rooster cooked
However, when Rooster Booster was beaten in the Champion Hurdle, many layers mopped their brows as the prospect of the dreaded 'quad' gambled on by millions of punters evaporated.
The worst nightmare was that the four reigning champions competing here again this year Moscow Flyer, Baracouda, Best Mate and Rooster Booster would win again. The fall-out would be terrible.
Now they only have to worry about millions of trebles and doubles today and tomorrow and a real result for them today will be the defeat of Moscow Flyer in the Champion Chase by Azertyuiop.
However the 'Moscow' connections were last night very bullish that their steed could do the business and keep the bookies sweating.
"It must be 10/1 just to get the horse here three years running, so I'm very happy he's made it," trainer Jessica Harrington reported. "I hadn't seen him since he left home until this morning and I delighted with him. From the time he won last year, everything has been geared for this. In a way it has been easier this time. There has been a lot less pressure because he was everyone's banker of the meeting."
She revealed that she does not even think about the race, but said the horse had done everything asked of him and she was of the opinion he was stronger this year than last.
Jockey Barry Geraghty thinks so too and cannot see anything troubling either Azertyuiop or his mount.
"It's hard to see beyond them, but I'm more than happy my fellow has the guns," he commented.
Another horse the Irish will be banking on today is Edward O'Grady's Pizarro in the Royal and SunAlliance Chase.
"You don't get medals for runners here. You get them for winners," he said somewhat acerbically. "But I'm very happy with Pizarro's preparation and he's shown he likes the course.
"He's been here twice before and run really well."
Geraghty, who also rides Pizarro reckons his mount has never looked better.
"He jumped well on his last two runs and will definitely run a big race," he said.
