Racecards
13:00 Newbury
Cistm Fulke Walwyn Novices' Chase (Class A)
- 2 Runners
- Distance: 2m 4f
- Going: Good
Puntal (FR)
14- Form 10P-121
- Age 7
- Weight 11-7
made all, well clear from 7th, mistake 12th, hit 3 out, eased flat
Buckby Lane
227- Form P/2U311-
- Age 7
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer P R Webber
- Jockey T Doyle
chased winner, jumped left from 11th, never on terms
In depth
Verdict
Puntal bounced back to form at Cheltenham two weeks ago and, if in the same mood again, should be too good for his two rivals Buckby Lane and Wild Knight. The last mentioned, a bumper winner at Chepstow, failed to score in five starts over hurdles but was always likely to do better over fences. However, this is no easy task, even in receipt of weight and the Paul Nicholls-trained gelding looks up against it. Paul Webber's Buckby Lane won a couple of novices' hurdles last season and goes straight over the larger obstacles this term. He may make the grade in time but Puntal was easily the best of these over timber and has already proven himself over fences. He is impossible to oppose.