held up, not fluent 2nd, weakened 12th, well behind when pulled up after 14th
behind, reminders after 5th, stayed on from 2 out, never dangerous
led, headed when blundered and unseated rider 11th
chased leader until jumped slowly 10th, ridden next, outpaced 14th, rallied 2 out, stayed on flat, no chance with winner
held up, headway 10th, chased leader 12th until 2 out, one pace
held up, headway 12th, weakened after 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
soon prominent, led 11th, hampered by loose horse and headed approaching last, soon beaten
always prominent, ridden 10th, led and bumped by loose horse approaching last, soon clear
The first time visor can help to keep Punchy's mind on the job and he is fancied come good again; possibly at the main expense of Cyborsun and Smile Pleeze, who head the list of dangers. Suspendid would also be dangerous to rule out completely if he consented to put in anything like his best as he has some very useful form to his name. He does look in need of some assistance form the handicapper though as he looks weighted up to his best at present. Smile Pleeze came good in a weaker race over course and distance last time and there could be more to come from him whilst he remains in good heart, while Cyborsun put in a decent effort on his first start for Jonjo O'Neill and is one to watch carefully in the betting. His Irish form does suggest that he needs a little more cut in the ground though and he may be best watched today. This brings us back to Punchy, who should have very few problems with the ground today. The eight-year-old took a liking to this course when winning here in June and, assuming that Timmy Murphy can keep him focused over this trip, Punchy will take some stopping today.
