All the hot views as superstar Douvan bids to prove he is well and truly back

5.30 Punchestown
BoyleSports Champion Chase | Grade 1 | 2m | 5yo+ | RTE2/ATR

Paul Townend has a 100 per cent record on Douvan, winning on the eight-year-old three times, and is back on the crack chaser in this showpiece for the first time since the pair landed the Hilly Way Chase at Cork in December 2016.

Douvan is one of four runners for Willie Mullins, also represented by Min, Un De Sceaux and Ballycasey in the richest event on day one of the festival, with more than €250,000 on offer for the first four finishers.

With Ruby Walsh out injured, Townend is eagerly looking forward to renewing his association with six-time Grade 1-winning chaser Douvan, who will be seeking his first win since landing the Tied Cottage Chase over course and distance in February 2017.

He said: "It's great to be back on Douvan. He's a class act and was showing plenty of his old sparkle at Cheltenham before falling four out. He seems in good order and hopefully he'll take all the beating."

Mullins said: "Douvan came out of Cheltenham well and has schooled well since. He seems in good form."

Un De Sceaux, an eight-time Grade 1 winner over fences, finished second to Fox Norton in the same event a year ago and will have Patrick Mullins on board for the first time, while David Mullins partners Min, on whom he won a Grade 2 event at Leopardstown in February.

Douvan
Pros Six-time Grade 1 winner over fences and the best horse in the race on ratings

Cons Off the track for a year before falling four out in Queen Mother Champion Chase last month, so needs to show he is back to his best

Min
Pros Consistent performer at Grade 1 level and runner-up on last two starts in top company. Should be suited by return to two miles

Cons Had a hard race when second at Aintree only 11 days ago

Un De Sceaux
Pros Eight-time Grade 1-winning chaser. A good jumper and a tough and genuine performer

Cons Possibly lucky to win Grade 2 event at Fairyhouse on his most recent start. Remains to be seen if he is on top of his game

Doctor Phoenix heads Elliott quartet

Like his championship rival Mullins, Gordon Elliott, who has yet to win this event, has four runners, with Doctor Phoenix appearing to be his best chance of earning a big slice of the prize-money.

How the big two dominate the day-one runners

The ten-year-old has done well since being bought by Elliott for £10,000 last year, winning three times, and was upsides Un De Sceaux when falling two out in a Grade 2 event at Fairyhouse on his most recent start.

Elliott said: "Who knows what might have happened had he stood up, but if he's in the same sort of form he could be thereabouts in what looks a very hot race."

Mark Walsh partners the ten-year-old for the first time.

Elliott is also represented by the Gigginstown House Stud-owned trio of A Toi Phil, The Game Changer and Tell Us More.

"A Toi Phil is a genuine, consistent performer," said the trainer. "He looks up against it on ratings and the trip will be short of ideal. We're hoping he might pick up some prize-money.

"The Game Changer and Tell Us More take their chances but have plenty on their plate."

Doctor Phoenix
Pros
Improved performer since joining Gordon Elliott and might have beaten Un De Sceaux at Fairyhouse but for falling two out

Cons
Facing his biggest test to date in first attempt at Grade 1 level

De Bromhead hoping Tiara can sparkle

Twice successful in the race with Sizing Europe, Henry de Bromhead is represented by Special Tiara, winner of the Queen Mother Champion Chase last year and again the mount of Noel Fehily, and Ordinary World, who will be ridden by Davy Russell.

De Bromhead said: "I thought Special Tiara ran very well at Leopardstown in February, when he just petered out in the last furlong. He then fell at Kempton when the ground was perfect for him, but the going was awful at Cheltenham last month.

"With a bit of luck hopefully he’ll run well on this better ground and he’s in very good form, while Ordinary World will also appreciate the better going."

Special Tiara
Pros
Won the Champion Chase at Cheltenham last season and will appreciate the drying ground

Cons
Has yet to win in four attempts at Punchestown

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