Joxer is a smart one

Formidableopponent was hammered into 4/7 from odds against this morning for the Stars Of Tomorrow INH Flat Race at Punchestown but he disappointed as another one for money Joxer (20s into 12s) prevailed narrowly under Damien Skehan. Mount Colah made a brave bid to fend off all challengers up the straight but under a hands and heels ride Skehan forced Joxer, a newcomer by Gold Well, up by a head. Our Vinnie did good late running to finish third.

Billy Harney, trainer of Joxer, said: "I think he's a real good horse. He went well in a schooling hurdle lately.

"He's such an unreal horse to jump that I don't want to run him too much in bumpers."

Joxer is by Gold Well, an unraced own brother to Montjeu. He was retired to stud in 2006 and is standing at Arctic Tack Stud in County Wexford.

His only previous Irish runner, Well Mett, scored on his debut in a bumper at Downpatrick in August. He has also had a winner cross-channel in the shape of Johns Spirit in August from just a handful of runners.