Removal Of Tongue Tie Could Transform Wood At Punchestown

It looked for a long way as though West Wizard would play a big part at the finish for us at Uttoxeter on Saturday. He seemed to tank through the race, jumping flamboyantly at times, but he simply ran out of petrol in the last couple of furlongs, frustratingly fading into 4th. Judging by how exuberantly he travelled, it would be no surprise to see him dropped back in trip next time.

 

Trans Wood could go well at a huge price at Punchestown.

We are given the rare treat of a Tuesday jumps card in Ireland this afternoon, and the one I am taking a chance on at a massive price is the Gordon Doyle trained Trans Wood in the 2 mile mares’ handicap hurdle at 14.55. This very nicely bred 6yo daughter of Trans Island ran a shocker last time out, but she has been given a month off to freshen up and the tongue tie that has been on for her last two runs is discarded.

Ricky Doyle rode this mare on her last three outings, but this time Mr. T Power-Roche takes over in the saddle. I have to admit I had never heard of him until seeing his name in the race card tonight but, after doing my due diligence, I discovered that he has ridden a couple of winners in the point to pointing field, with his 2nd victory coming last time out earlier this month. He also finished 3rd on his last ride in that sphere for Doyle so he should be full of confidence at the minute.

Perhaps Doyle thinks that the extra 2lb that Power-Roche claims might make all the difference on Trans Wood in very testing conditions at Punchestown. The mare should have no issues on the ground, as it was a similar surface for her fine run on handicap debut at Gowran off 88. She pulled well clear with the winner Roja Dove, beaten just over 3L in 2nd. With her jockey’s claim, Trans Wood is 10lb better off with that rival here.

Back in 4th at Gowran was today’s top weight Pat’s Oscar, and with a 7lb claimer booked for her she is 5lb better off with Trans Wood. However, the Doyle horse finished over 11L clear of Pat’s Oscar and if she can repeat that run than the Elliott inmate could struggle to reverse the form. The 4th and 5th home that day at Gowran have both run well since, and the 7th home Cerca Trova won next time up so it looks more than decent form for the grade.

Obviously, Trans Wood must be forgiven a really poor effort last time out at Limerick where she was ridden more patiently than on her previous two runs. She finished well down the field having faded badly after the third last, but that was her 4th run in the space of 8 weeks and perhaps she was feeling the effects of such a busy schedule.

She wasn’t beaten a million miles on her penultimate start against the boys in a stronger heat than the one she contested at Gowran when 6th at Fairyhouse off a mark of 91. The tongue tie that she wore there, and last time at Limerick, is removed and she is back in against her own sex. On her run at Gowran there is not a chance she should be 40/1 while Pat’s Oscar is 9/1 and Roja Dove is 10/1. If she can get back to that sort of level she could go well if ridden positively, and at odds of 40/1 she is worth chancing each way for small stakes.

STEVOS’ SELECTION: 14.55-PUNCHESTOWN-TRANS WOOD E/W @ 40/1