Duke aiming to Star in Punchestown feature

Jessica Harrington is optimistic of a good run from Sandymount Duke in Wednesday's Irish Daily Star Chase at Punchestown.

Owned and bred by Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, the nine-year-old makes a quick reappearance after running in the Irish Cesarewitch at Navan on Sunday.

This will be his first run over fences since he was second to Sub Lieutenant at the Galway Festival in early August.

"He had a gallop round on Sunday in the Cesarewitch. I was delighted with the way he ran," said Harrington.

"Three miles and one furlong is his kind of trip and he loves the ground. It’s a very good race. I think he'll run a good race."

While Harrington is happy with the ground, Noel Meade has warned both Road To Respect and Snow Falcon could miss out unless some rain arrives to ease conditions.

"They are both declared, but I don't know if we are going to run or not. It depends on the ground. Unless they have some rain, I'd say it’s unlikely they'd run,” said the County Meath handler.

"We didn’t want not to declare and find out it did rain. There is a bit of rain forecast, probably not enough, but we'll have to wait and see tomorrow.

"Both horses are in great form."

Road To Respect is owned by Gigginstown House Stud, who are also responsible for Outlander from Gordon Elliott’s stable and Sub Lieutenant, trained by Henry de Bromhead. Willie Mullins’ Ballycasey completes the list of six horses declared.

The other Grade Three race on the card is the Buck House Novice Chase in which Winter Escape, trained by Aidan Howard, bids to back up his victory at Galway last month.

"He ran well first time in Galway then won nicely the last day,” said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus.

"He’s in good form, it’s a good race and we’re hoping he’ll run well."

De Bromhead is double-handed with Ornua and Classic Theatre while Mullins’ Cadmium and the Elliott duo of Cubomania and Mitchouka make up the six runners.