Big-hearted Rockerfeller seeks compensation

5.30 Punchestown

Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle | Grade 1 | 3m, 4yo+ | RTE1/ATR

They say nobody ever remembers who comes second but how could we ever forget Lil Rockerfeller's tenacious effort in the Sun Bet Stayers' Hurdle.

It was only in the final few yards that Nichols Canyon managed to find a way by and Neil King's six-year-old is out for revenge here. Few could begrudge him that.

Andy Smith, part-owner of Lil Rockerfeller, said: "He's as good as he was going into Cheltenham if not better. The ground will be beautiful for him, he runs well in the spring and he's a fresh horse. Dickie Johnson could suit him as well.

"The one I'm really worried about is Sutton Place - he could be a Gold Cup horse. We're all devastated Trevor Whelan can't ride him."

On Track for another victory?

Last year's winner One Track Mind is back to try and retain his crown and, while Warren Greatrex admits that it is a hotter contest this time around the trainer is expecting another bold showing.

"His season hasn't gone to plan. He didn't take to fences as well as I had hoped and then picked up a silly injury over Christmas. He has had a couple of racecourse gallops and looks as well as he did this this time last year. This is a better race than last year but he is a good horse and could go well again," Greatrex said.

Falcon 'in form of his life'

Snow Falcon has been to all the big parties this spring, backing up a perfectly respectable Stayers' Hurdle effort at Cheltenham with a near miss in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree. Noel Meade reports his ultra-consistent charge to be back in top form despite his busy schedule.

Meade said: "He's actually unbelievably well. It's incredible really considering that he has been to Cheltenham and Aintree. He's in the form of his life and seems to take his racing very well. It's a hot race but I would like to think that he will run well."