made all, well clear from 7th, mistake 12th, hit 3 out, eased flat
chased winner, jumped left from 11th, never on terms
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.
