Yeah, I hear ya. I don't do it very often, but if I don't drop the rat, the python isn't going to wait for me to do it. He'll snatch it up suuuuper quick.
I love the chases, but mine doesn't even chase. He just waits for it to walk within striking distance and it's over. Rats never last more than 20 seconds before they get snatched up.
BTW - what kind of snake is that?