Brook heaven sent for Watson Keith Watson has high hopes Heavenly Brook will have no stamina issues when he tackles three and a half miles for the first time in the Toals Bookmakers Ulster Grand National EBF Handicap Chase at Downpatrick on Sunday. The County Armagh-based owner-trainer has been campaigning the 11-year-old at shorter distances, but Heavenly Brook showed no signs of stopping when winning over an extended two and a half miles at Clonmel on his latest start. "We think he stays and he jumps very well so we're letting him take his chance," said Watson. "He's got as good a chance as anything. In his youth he did win a three-mile point-to-point and he has won over two mile six, so we're not really stepping him up too far." Heavenly Brook is the oldest horse in a 10-runner field, all chasing the 16,000 euro first prize, and has the services of 5lb claimer Luke Dempsey, who had his first Cheltenham Festival winner last week. Heading the weights is Stuart Crawford's Man With Van, while amongst top trainers represented are Noel Meade with Bose Ikard and Gordon Elliott with Riverside City. Watson is also expecting a good run from Illusion Of Time, who turns out quickly after unseating his rider when holding every chance at Down Royal on Tuesday. He thinks it is worth taking a chance in a seven-runner field for the At The Races Maiden Hunters Chase. "He was unlucky at Down Royal on St Patrick's Day," said Watson. "He's come out of the race 100 per cent. "This doesn't look as hot a race but you don't know until you're there."
