Denise Foster relishing prospect of rematch between Abacadabras and Honeysuckle

Denise Foster is under no illusion as to just how difficult it is taking on the mighty Honeysuckle, but the Cullentra trainer is relishing the challenge of sending Aintree Hurdle hero Abacadabras into battle in next week's Paddy Power Champion Hurdle at Punchestown.

The Gigginstown-owned seven-year-old, who is 10-1 to record a fourth Grade 1 success, fell at the third flight when sent off the same price in last month's Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, a race in which the Henry de Bromhead-trained Honeysuckle ran riot, winning by six and a half lengths.

Foster said: "He's likely to run next Friday and is in good form – we're looking forward to it. He's a gorgeous horse with his whole future ahead of him and it'd be nice to end the season with a win. He likes that decent ground and Jack [Kennedy] gets on with him well – he knows him inside out."

Denise Foster on Abacadabras: 'He likes that decent ground and Jack [Kennedy] gets on with him well, he knows him inside and out'Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

She added: "Abacadabras is very talented, but Honeysuckle is the queen at the moment and whether she'll be taken off her throne or not I don't know. It's a tough task and you never like to see someone losing, but if there is one to take her off her throne it'd be nice if it was one of ours."

Foster, who has stepped in to run Cullentra while trainer Gordon Elliott is suspended, sent out a hat-trick of winners at the Cheltenham Festival but would have been left somewhat disappointed by the defeat of JCB Triumph Hurdle favourite Zanahiyr, who failed to run to the standard expected of him when fourth to former stablemate Quilixios.

The Noel and Valerie Moran-owned performer holds an entry in the Grade 1 Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle next Saturday when he could renew his rivalry with the Cheveley Park-owned Cheltenham winner.

"Zanahiyr has an entry for the Saturday and, like all our runners, no final decision will be made on definite running plans until closer to the time," said Foster.

Zanahiyr (red cap): turned over as 11-8 favourite at the Cheltenham FestivalCredit: Michael Steele (Getty Images)

"At this time he's all set to go for the Grade 1. Cheltenham just didn't happen for him and we'd be hoping we'll see a better horse and better finish at Punchestown if he lines up."

She added: "We didn't find anything big that held him back afterwards. The horses worked on Tuesday and worked well."

Sire Du Berlais and The Storyteller, second and fifth to Flooring Porter in the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham, appear most likely to lead the line for Cullentra in Thursday's Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle.

The Gavin Cromwell-trained festival winner is the general 15-8 favourite to follow up at Punchestown, with Foster's pair available at 4-1 and 8-1.

"We're looking forward to Sire Du Berlais and The Storyteller, hopefully they'll both show up and bring their best," said the trainer.

The Storyteller and Sire Du Berlais: on course for the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Stayers HurdleCredit: Edward Whitaker

"Sire Du Berlais is a very genuine horse, very straightforward and I'd imagine Punchestown will be made for him – he'll love that track. The Storyteller gives his all in his races and Punchestown was always going to be on his agenda so we decided to skip Aintree with that in mind."

She added: "There's a question mark about whether Fury Road will run but we'll make up our minds closer to declaration time."

Three Stripe Life enhanced his reputation in defeat when fourth to Sir Gerhard in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper and is one of two Cullentra entries for the Grade 1 ITM Supporting Irish Store Sales Champion Bumper on Wednesday, along with Ginto.

Foster said: "Discussions are ongoing about who we'll run. Three Stripe Life ran very well at Cheltenham and next spring I think he'll really come to himself – he could be anything. Ginto is another lovely young horse."

If you want more on Punchestown:

Colreevy set to take on superstars Monkfish and Envoi Allen in Grade 1 farewell

'We're not frightened of anyone' – Skelton's Nube Negra to tackle Mullins stars

Henry de Bromhead: Jack Kennedy to ride Minella Indo at Punchestown

Clan Des Obeaux to tackle Ireland's finest as Nicholls opts for Punchestown

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