Hewick© Photo Healy Racing
Shark Hanlon reports Hewick to be in 'great form' ahead of his Grade 1 engagement at Down Royal on Saturday.
Supplemented at a cost of €15,000 for the Ladbrokes Champion Chase, Hanlon's stable star faces stiff opposition in the shape of Gerri Colombe and Envoi Allen, the first and second from 12-months ago.
The winner of the King George at Kempton last season, the teak tough nine-year-old was a solid third on his return to action at Punchestown recently.
"Hewick is in great form, he done a bit of work yesterday at the Curragh and I couldn't be happier with him," Hanlon enthused.
"Jordan Gainford will ride him on Saturday and it's a tough race, there is not going to be a big field but it's going to be a good race.
"We are hoping for the best and maybe after Saturday he might go to Haydock in a couple of weeks time. We'll take it one day at a time with him and I'm hoping for a big run on Saturday."
