Champion plunge on Brother Joe Brother Joe has been the subject of a massive ante-post gamble for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham on March 12th, it emerged today.The Tote report an avalanche of cash for the Sir Robert Ogden-owned eight-year-old and have slashed the gelding`s odds for the hurdlers` crown to 14-1 from 33-1.'Brother Joe was effectively running in the Tote`s colours before trading opened this morning,' said Tote spokesman Jeremy Scott.'However, in just a few hours we had laid the horse for so much, that from being a near six-figure winner, it was flashing red as a Stg£100,000 loser in our book should he wrestle the crown from Istabraq.'Coral also cut the price of Brother Joe to 14-1 (from 25-1) for the Champion Hurdle after he was recommended by one of the most influential tipping services.Champion Hurdle betting:Tote: 7-4 Istabraq , 7-2 Valiramix, 5-1 Landing Light 14-1 Bilboa, Brother Joe, Jair Du Cochet, Stormez, 16-1 Arctic Owl, Ned Kelly, 20-1 Marble Arch, Moscow Flyer, 25-1 Ansar, Azertyuiop, Geos, 33-1 Dibea Times, Hors La Loi III, Ulundi, Westender 40-1 Milligan, Montalcino.Coral: 13-8 Istabraq, 7-2 Valiramix, 9-2 Landing Light, 14-1 Brother Joe, Jair Du Cochet, Bilboa, Arctic Owl, 16-1 Ned Kelly, 20-1 Azertyuiop, Ansar, Geos, 22-1 Marble Arch, 25-1 Hors La Loi III, Westender, 33-1 bar.
