Galway winner Xsquared in good form for return to action

6.15 Punchestown
Panoramic Restaurant Handicap Chase | 2m | 4yo+ | ATR

The versatile Xsquared, winner of three chases, three hurdle races and four Flat races, heads the weights on his return from a lengthy absence.

The Peter Fahey-trained nine-year-old, with David Mullins on board for the first time, will be making his first appearance since landing a novice chase at the Galway festival in July.

Jessica Harrington is represented by Neverushacon and Mr Fiftyone, who finished third and sixth behind stablemate Don't Touch It in a handicap over the same trip at the festival meeting last month.

Another renewing rivalry from that race is the Shane Nolan-trained Caolaneoin, who finished a half-length runner-up to Don't Touch It.

Also doubly represented is Gordon Elliott, who runs 22-length Clonmel winner Third Opinion, who is making his handicap debut, and the vastly more experienced Shadow Catcher, who was last successful at Cork in October 2015.

Shanpallas, the 2014 Munster National winner, is returning from a 136-day absence.

What they say

Peter Fahey, trainer of Xsquared
He had a little problem after he won at Galway last summer and that's why he's been off a long time. He's in great form and we're really looking forward to getting him started back. He's been working well.

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Mr Fiftyone and Neverushacon
I was very happy with Neverushacon at the Punchestown festival, where he finished third. Mr Fiftyone ran quite well in the same race on ground that was slower than ideal for him. Both are in good form.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Shadow Catcher and Third Opinion
Shadow Catcher hasn't won for a long time and will need to improve from his last run. He's in good form and so is Third Opinion, who'll be having his first run in a handicap having won by a long way on his first start for us at Clonmel in March.

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Killiney Court
He was still in contention when he fell at the second last in the novice handicap chase at the Cheltenham Festival. He's in good form and we're looking forward to a good run.