*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Energumene is one of six runners in the Champion Chase as he bids to seal the Cheltenham-Punchestown double for the second season on the spin.
The nine-year-old is joined by three stablemates in Tuesday’s 17:25 as Blue Lord and Gentleman De Men provide fresh opposition while former winner Chacun Pour Soi is back for another crack.
Rachael Blackmore rides the only mare in the field, Magic Daze, for Henry de Bromhead and the Patrick Foley trained Rebel Gold completes the line up.
Champion Chase odds can be found on the Paddy Power website, Paddy Power app or via our snazzy betting widgets, otherwise Timeform’s horse-by-horse guide to the runners and betting tips from the racing boffins are below.
Champion Chase tips
Timeform: ENERGUMENE confirmed himself back at the very top of his game when running out an authoritative winner of the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham 6 weeks ago and a repeat can see him follow up his win in this corresponding race 12 months ago. Gentleman de Mee, who defeated Blue Lord at Leopardstown in February, can confirm those placings and emerge as the lead threat.
Champion Chase runners
Blue Lord
Trainer: W. P. Mullins Jockey: Daryl Jacob Age: 8 Weight: 11st 12lbs
Has made up into a top-class chaser, adding another Grade 1 victory to his tally at Leopardstown over Christmas. No match for stablemate Gentleman De Mee back at that venue in February and gave impression his stamina run dry late on in last month’s Ryanair at Cheltenham. Back down in trip.
***
Chacun Pour Soi
Trainer: W. P. Mullins Jockey: D. E. Mullins Age: 11 Weight: 11st 12lbs
Top-class chaser in his pomp (won this 2 years ago) and finished runner-up behind Energumene 12 months ago. Hasn’t looked the force of old in handful of starts so far this campaign however, and likely set for another struggle here.
**
Energumene
Trainer: W. P. Mullins Jockey: P. Townend Age: 9 Weight: 11st 12lbs
Top-class chaser who wasted no time getting back to form and enhanced his fine strike rate with a dominant display in last month’s Queen Mother Champion Chase, quickening clear entering straight and impressive. Very much the one to beat again.
*****
Gentleman De Mee
Trainer: W. P. Mullins Jockey: M. P. Walsh Age: 7 Weight: 11st 12lbs
Beat Edwardstone when winning an Aintree Grade 1 last spring and having failed to fire on his first 3 starts this season, got back on track in no uncertain terms when taking care of hot favourite Blue Lord in the Dublin Chase at Leopardstown in February. Sound claims of making the frame.
****
Rebel Gold
Trainer: Patrick T. Foley Jockey: Denis O’Regan Age: 10 Weight: 11st 12lbs
Smart chaser who is enjoying a fine season, adding small field Grade 3 contest to his tally at Naas (2m) in February. However, set for a struggle now sights are set on Grade 1 company.
**
Magic Daze
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead Jockey: Rachael Blackmore Age: 7 Weight: 11st 5lbs
Showed a really good attitude when gaining third chase success at Naas (2m, listed) in February. Probably best not judged too harshly on her refusal to race in Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham latest but she’s set for a struggle in this field in any case.
**
Punchestown Tips Today
- Horse Racing tips: Mick Fitzgerald’s Punchestown Day 1 fancies for Tuesday
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- Horse Racing tips: Ruby Walsh’s Day 1 Punchestown picks
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