The costly defeat of Denwood at Doomben on Wednesday won’t deter trainer Troy Hall from pushing ahead with Brisbane winter carnival plans with the three-year-old.

Denwood was in a cranky mood for his comeback in the Sequalo@Lyndhurst Maiden Handicap (1200m), dumping apprentice Anthony Allen on his way to the barrier.

The son of Greenwood Lake bolted a few hundred metres to the 1600-metre shute before being recaptured while Allen hitched a ride on a buggy to be legged up again.

Denwood was officially cleared to start by the club veterinary surgeon and after being the first to load raced keenly and led rounding the home turn.

However, Denwood’s early misdemeanors told over the final stages where the Gillian Heinrich-trained Blissful Belle ($5.50) stormed home for a commanding 2-1/4-length win over Relentless Heart ($3).

Denwood, who started favourite at $1.70, finished third, a further half-neck away.

Hall was dismayed by Denwood’s erratic behaviour but vowed not to let the defeat detract from his winter carnival goal.

“I didn’t expect to see him leading but he was in a bit of a mood,” Hall said.

“He’s probably not a kid’s horse but with the weight he had I had to look for a claim.

“I think his antics before the race probably fired him up too much.”

Denwood, who was having his first start for Hall, was making his return since finishing seventh to Strike The Stars in the Group Three Gloaming Stakes (1800m) at Rosehill last September.

Hall took over Denwood’s preparation after his previous trainer Darryl Hansen was disqualified for six months in December.

Allen was riding for the first time under his new Brisbane boss, Deagon trainer Steele Ryan.

He was previously indentured to Grafton trainer John Shelton.

Hall has pencilled in a long campaign with Denwood who is being aimed at the Group One Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm in June.

Meanwhile, Tracy Green has her sights set on the Grafton carnival in July with Substation, an impressive 1-1/4-length debut winner in the Sita Australia Brisbane Bloodstock Maiden (1110m).

“I got him for $20,000 at the Brisbane Bloodstock sale and he’s picked up the $10,000 bonus for winning this race,” Green said.

“He’s only small and is ready for a growth spurt so I’ll put him away for a few weeks and get him ready for Grafton.

“He’s BOBS-eligible and the Grafton race would be ideal for him.”