De Bromhead's Heart Wood primed for winning return in Punchestown feature
Henry De Bromhead's Heart Wood has a fine record coming off a break. Pic: ©INPHO/Tom Maher
There are a couple of interesting races on this afternoon’s programme in Punchestown, and Heart Wood can make a winning return to action in the Grade Three BetVictor Chase.
The seven-year-old is trained by Henry de Bromhead, who has won this race three times in the last nine years, and his charge has a fine record off a layoff.
Last season, on his return to action, the selection contested a listed chase in Wexford and ran out the easiest of winners. He followed up by pushing Croke Park, who re-opposes, to a neck in a Grade One at Fairyhouse, and could be considered slightly unlucky on that occasion as he made significant late gains to grab second spot.
He then finished an honourable fourth in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown before appearing in Cheltenham, off a break, and finishing runner-up to easy winner Fact To File in the Ryanair Chase.
His final run of the season is easily forgiven, and the not-fully-exposed gelding can make the most of the weight he receives from old rival Croke Park and Galway Plate winner Western Fold.
The last-named has been one of the stars of the summer, following up a Tipperary beginners’ chase with a Mayo National, Galway Plate and a Grade Two at Gowran. Given his fitness, it would be folly to dismiss his claims, but this is certainly a tougher assignment trying to give 8lbs to a horse rated 3lbs his superior.
The other Grade Three on the card is the BetVictor Novice Chase and King Of Kingsfield can get straight back to winning ways following his third-place finish in a similar race in Roscommon.
While he was well positioned throughout that race, he was unable to quicken up well enough to land a meaningful blow. However, he was beaten only three lengths in total and was noted staying on well to the line.
The extra couple of furlongs of this race should be a positive for Gordon Elliott’s gelding who won chases at Galway and Ballinrobe.
Birdie Or Bust is in receipt of 7lbs from the selection and while she is officially 11lbs his inferior, she has upside and is respected.
The opening race, a two-mile maiden hurdle, is worth a second glance. Elliott’s Kovanis has a little to prove following a disappointing effort when last seen, but prior to that he won on his bumper debut having cost €300,000 following a winning start in point to points.
A race his trainer has won with Eskylane, Labaik, and Samcro in the last nine years, this Gigginstown House Stud-owned gelding can make a winning start over timber.
Useful Flat horse Urban War has potential upside, but bigger dangers are likely to come from Vitorio Piel, who won a Punchestown festival bumper on his only previous outing, and Gameball, who has joined Henry de Bromhead since running away with a Ballinrobe bumper on his only outing for Andy Slattery.
1:55 Kovanis
2:30 Spick And Span
3:05 Avalo
3:35 King Of Kingsfield (nb)
4:05 Heart Wood (nap)
4:35 Aurea Fortuna
5:05 Maverick Mack
1:55 Vitorio Piel
2:30 Galileo Springs
3:05 Linden Arden
3:35 Birdie Or Bust
4:05 Western Fold
4:35 He Fitz In
5:05 Takiwatanga
