soon detached in last pair, mistake 5th, ridden and lost touch 7th, pulled up before 11th
set strong pace, headed 6th, mistake pressing winner, mistake 12th, blundered 3 out, lost 2nd when fell 2 out
soon pressed leader and was clear of rivals, led 6th, mistake 8th and next (water), hit 11th, clear approaching 2 out, driven out run in
soon well behind leading pair, closed up from 12th, went 2nd and mistake 2 out, no impression approaching last
A small, but select field for this valuable prize and although the Irish raider Broadstone Road deserves plenty of respect, Brother Joe, who has done little wrong gets the vote. Philip Hobbs' nine-year-old has been making hay in ordinary contests, winning seven of his nine starts over fences, and although he may have been flattered by his wide margin defeat of Puntal at Chepstow last time, there is no doubt he is still on the up. On the face of it Puntal looks to have a hopeless task against Brother Joe, but while he was clearly below his best at Chepstow, it is hard to see him reversing the places on identical terms. Broadstone Road, the winner of four of his nine starts over fences couldn't be coming into this in better form. However, if this were a handicap, he would be receiving best part of two stone off the selection. A useful hurdler, Tikram could have been found an easier opening for his chasing debut and while he should pay his way in the future over fences, he will surely find these with too much experience for him here. So, with Brother Joe taking this easier option rather than waiting for the Paddy Power Gold Cup later in the afternoon, he can prove too classy for his rivals.
