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A Piece Of Heaven, a top contender for the Royal Ascot, will be making his debut for new connections in his upcoming race next week. Previously representing Barry Fitzgerald's yard, the 6YO has been acquired by Jack Cantillon of Syndicates Racing and will now be trained by Joseph O'Brien. The new owners have their sights set on the Copper Horse Handicap, which was won by Vauban last season, with a potential future aim of competing in the Melbourne Cup.
"I think what this horse did at Leopardstown was really underestimated. He was off a mark of 94 and the handicapper gave him 7lb," Cantillon told www.thorougbreddailynews.com.
"We looked at his stride and sectional analytics and both metrics pointed to a top-class performance being posted. Not only did he put in the performance, but he also vetted extremely well.
"If he can continue on his upward trajectory, he's a horse with the profile and lack of miles on the clock to be a Melbourne Cup contender.
"A Piece Of Heaven has been sent to one of Ireland's greatest trainers and a brilliant man to travel a horse in Joseph O'Brien but I think Barry deserves huge credit by how well he has campaigned him thus far.
"If the horse can achieve more in 2024 and beyond, which I think he can, I'd really like Barry to get the credit that he deserves for what a brilliant job he has done in nurturing this horse's talents."