Rooster to resume flying ways

Philip Hobbs is hoping it will be a case of better late than never when his champion hurdler Rooster Booster makes his long awaited reappearance in the Tote Bula Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Fast ground has caused last season's runaway Festival winner to miss two intended targets recently and Hobbs has also had to give the popular grey several days off work because of a cough late last month.

"That was the last thing we wanted and we're taking nothing for granted, but he's fine again," said Hobbs. "He improved enormously last year and, if he maintains that form this season, then he's clearly going to be hard to beat."

Meanwhile, the latest young chasers with pretensions to winning top races have had their next targets spelled out.

Trainer Michael Hourigan was thrilled to see Beef Or Salmon back on winning form in yesterday's John Durkan Chase at Punchestown, and wasted no time in throwing down the gauntlet to Best Mate's connections for a possible clash in the Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.

"Beef Or Salmon still needs racing experience and could go for the Hilly Way Chase at Cork next week if it looks like being a soft touch," he said.