Chacun Pour Soi 'much straighter' compared to 12 months ago says Willie Mullins

Paddy's Rewards Club Chase (Grade 1) | 2m1f | 5yo+ | RTE2/RTV

He may have lost in this race 12 months ago, but Chacun Pour Soi will line up for this Grade 1 assignment a “much straighter” horse this year, according to champion trainer Willie Mullins.

Chacun Pour Soi blew away the cobwebs when landing the Grade 2 Hilly Way Chase at Cork earlier this month, his first start since landing a Grade 1 over this course and distance at the Dublin Racing Festival in February.

He is the standard-setter in this intriguing contest. Mullins is happy with his condition as Chacun Pour Soi bids to bring his top-level tally to three and harden his Champion Chase credentials in the process.

Mullins said: “I think Chacun Pour Soi has improved nicely from Cork. He goes there a straighter horse than last year when he was beaten in this race without the benefit of a prep. He has improved from Cork. Annamix was good at Gowran Park and is coming back in trip.”

Chacun Pour Soi and Paul Townend after landing the Hilly Way

Henry de Bromhead has an unbelievable record with two-mile chasers. In Arkle winner Put The Kettle On and impressive Naas scorer Notebook, he supplies the main dangers to Chacun Pour Soi.

Speaking about his pair, the trainer said: “Notebook is in great form. We were delighted with him the last day and his form is rock-solid. Put The Kettle On seems very well too and we're happy for her to take her chance.”

There was a time when Le Richebourg was just about the most exciting two-mile chase prospect in Ireland, but things haven't been plain sailing for Joseph O'Brien's runner after he slammed his rivals in the Irish Arkle over this course and distance almost two years ago.

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Le Richebourg was pulled up in the John Durkan on his first start since that breathtaking display and O'Brien is hoping for an improved performance.

He said: “Mark [Walsh] was happy with how he jumped at Punchestown on his first start after a long break. This looks a very good race but hopefully he'll be able to run well.”

The field is completed by Castlegrace Paddy, no match for Politologue in the Tingle Creek last month and his trainer Pat Fahy said: “He goes there in good shape and I'll be happy if he can give a good account.”

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