Heart Wood makes a winning return to action Runner-up in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham in March, Heart Wood (4/9 fav) made a winning seasonal debut when taking Punchestown's BetVictor Chase in workmanlike fashion. Darragh O'Keeffe settled his mount in third as Croke Park and race-fit Monbeg Park matched strides at the head of affairs. Croke Park began to tire four out as the winner moved up to tackle Monbeg Park but the latter proved a tough nut to crack. Heart Wood gained a narrow advantage over that rival between the final two fences and was ridden out to score by a length and three-quarters. Henry de Bromhead, who trains the winner for Robcour, said: “Monbeg Park went out and they made it a good gallop. Darragh said he’ll improve plenty and he really saw it out in the end. “He’s entered at Down Royal (for the Grade 1 BetVictor Champion Chase) but I’d say it's unlikely. It’s lovely to get today. “It probably just looked like he wasn’t seeing out the three miles last year but it’s tempting to try it again. He travels so well. “He’s pacey as well and I was thinking about Kempton. Today was to get started and we know he’ll come on.” On stablemate Envoi Allen, who has twice won the big race at Down Royal, de Bromhead added: "He’s on course for Down Royal. He’s great and is in good form.” De Bromhead and O'Keeffe were completing doubles after Gameball's win in the opener. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
