Punchestowns to race in Futures Chase

Punchestowns will reappear in the Future Stars Chase at Sandown on December 3.

The seven-year-old, second to Big Buck’s in the 2009 World Hurdle, was a Grade One winner in his first season over fences.

He suffered an injury when only fifth in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham which has slightly delayed his comeback.

“There’s an intermediate chase at Sandown at the beginning of December over three miles and that fits in great,” said his trainer Nicky Henderson.

“He’s a little bit behind the others as he actually chipped a bone in his hock in the RSA at Cheltenham so he had an extended holiday.

“I think the three-mile intermediate at Sandown would be tailor-made for him.

“He hasn’t schooled. He’s just doing his work and looks fantastic.”

Henderson’s string have started in fine form, despite the trainer’s admission that one or two have needed a run.

However, he had no explanation for Barbers Shop’s poor effort in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby.

“They’ve all run very much the same, even the Wetherby boys, they are all just getting to the second-last and having a blow. After another couple of pieces of work, the whole thing will slot in,” he told Racing UK.

“Barbers Shop was the only disappointment. His jumping went to pieces down the back straight and that is not like him. He needs to get in a rhythm and if he gets out of it things go a bit pear-shaped.

“I wouldn’t think he’ll go for the Hennessy as I don’t think he stays that sort of trip.”