'I wanted to try it here' - the four most revealing trainer quotes for Tuesday

The Punchestown festival begins today with a blockbuster card featuring three Grade 1s and headlined by the William Hill Champion Chase. Ahead of the opening day's action, we highlight the most revealing quotes from connections.

Tuesday's racecards| Big-race tips

Bective Stud Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1), 2m½f

Willie Mullins, trainer of Sir Gerhard:

"I had it in the back of my mind for a long time that I really wanted to go two miles with Sir Gerhard at Punchestown. We didn't do it at Cheltenham, but I wanted to try it here. He has plenty of speed in his pedigree and this will be a good test to see where we might head with him next year."

Forecast SP: 4-5

Killashee Hotel Handicap Hurdle (Grade B), 2m½f

Peter Fahey, trainer of Sit Down Lucy:

"A fast-run race should suit her over this trip. She's at the right end of the weights, we're claiming off her and she's run well at the track before. We're hoping she can run a big race."

Forecast SP: 14-1

William Hill Champion Chase (Grade 1), 2m

Willie Mullins, trainer of Chacun Pour Soi:

"Chacun Pour Soi has an awful lot of things in his favour and he is still officially rated higher than Energumene. He has won at this track twice already and it's one that suits his style of racing. He seemed to be going well until he made that bad mistake at Cheltenham which put him out of the race. He has every chance."

Forecast SP: 13-8

Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase (Grade 1), 3m½f

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Bob Olinger:

"Rachael [Blackmore] said he made a terrible noise after he jumped the sixth-last, where he twisted in the air. We were always going to go for this race and, as we're happy with him now that the muscle tear has cleared up, it's all systems go."

Forecast SP: 8-11

Tuesday's Punchestown previews:

4.15 Punchestown: 'I really wanted to go two miles' - is Sir Gerhard a live Champion Hurdle hope?

4.50 Punchestown: In-form Glan poised to bag another big handicap for Elliott, McManus and Walsh

5.25 Punchestown: Paul Townend: 'I had to stick with Energumene, he's a Champion Chase winner'

6.35 Punchestown: 'It's all systems go' - De Bromhead hoping Bob Olinger shines over longer trip

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