'A revelation over fences' - Ciel De Neige in frame to hand Mullins a winner

OMC Claims Handicap Chase (Grade A) | 2m5f | 5yo+ | RTE2/RTV

Willie Mullins last landed this contest in 2018 with Patricks Park and the champion trainer saddles four of the 13 runners this season.

Last year's Galway Plate winner Royal Rendezvous sets a decent standard, but the topweight may find it tough to concede weight to some dangerous opponents, including classy stablemate Ciel De Neige.

He arrives here 39 days after a near miss at Thurles, when he was chinned by French Dynamite. He was just touched off by Koshari at last year’s festival and has been a revelation over fences. He could still prove to be well handicapped off 149 on some of his best form.

Annamix, fifth in this last year off a 1lb lower rating, ran well when third behind Mac Tottie in the Topham Chase at Aintree and was just pipped by Galvin here in October. Egality Mans, who is in off a low weight of 135 on his handicap debut, completes the Mullins line-up.

Rebel Gold: will be partnered by Aidan ColemanCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Last year's winner Foxy Jacks returns off a 10lb higher mark and Irish Grand National winning rider Paddy O'Hanlon has been booked for the ride. The eight-year-old has ability but is an erratic jumper.

Cavalry Master seems to do a lot of his winning around this time of the year and he could be dangerous off a mark of 138, although he must overcome an absence of 121 days.

Pat Foley has booked Aidan Coleman for the mount on Rebel Gold. He has not won since scoring at Gowran in January 2021 but the course winner may appreciate a sounder surface.

What they say

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Cavalry Master
Hopefully this type of ground should suit him. He's been freshened up since his last start in the Paddy Power at Leopardstown.

Pat Foley, trainer of Rebel Gold
Everything has gone well. His form this season has been solid but he's definitely better on better ground.

Sean O'Brien, trainer of R'evelyn Pleasure
He's been consistent all year. He likes the track. He'll handle the ground and the trip will be ideal. He's in super form and he's entitled to take his chance.

Paddy O'Hanlon, rider of Foxy Jacks
He came down at Aintree but has been in good form this season and taking 7lb off him will do no harm. He won this last season and I'm sure Mouse [Morris] will have him in top order.

Read more Wednesday previews:

3.35 Ascot: Last year's Gold Cup second Princess Zoe takes on promising stayers in Sagaro

4.10 Ascot: Go Bears Go bids to build on superb juvenile season in Commonwealth Cup

5.20 Punchestown: The Nice Guy puts unbeaten record on the line as Albert Bartlett 1-2-3 clash

5.55 Punchestown: unmissable insight from connections on a 'red-hot' Punchestown Gold Cup

6.30 Punchestown: Cheltenham hero Facile Vega renews rivalry with American Mike

For all our exclusive free bet offers and must-have daily promotions click the free bets button or go to racingpost.com/freebets