The time for talking is over as Chacun Pour Soi makes his eagerly-awaited return

1.10 Leopardstown
Paddy's Rewards Club "Loyalty's Dead, Live For Rewards" Chase | 2m1f | Grade 1 | 5yo+ | RTE2/RTV

Rich Ricci is bubbling with excitement in anticipation of Chacun Pour Soi’s return to the track after spending the last eight months dreaming about Champion Chase glory.

The time for talking is over. There has been plenty written, and even more spoken, about the seven-year-old who won his first start for Willie Mullins by 31 lengths a Naas and bettered that dazzling display by defeating Defi Du Seuil in the Grade 1 Ryanair Novice Chase at Punchestown in May.

Despite the fact we have only seen him twice in almost four years, Chacun Pour Soi, who runs in the colours of Ricci’s wife Susannah, is already 7-2 favourite for the Champion Chase. An impressive victory here could see that price shorten further.

“It’s a competitive Grade 1 for a seasonal reappearance,” said Ricci. “We have had a clear run with him and always intended to start off here. We’re excited to see him back and hopefully he can build on his two runs from last season and keep the dream alive.”

Perhaps the most excited of all is Paul Townend. Ireland’s champion jockey gets back on Chacun Pour Soi for the first time since that wide-margin Naas win and is licking his lips at the prospect.

Townend said: “It’s nice to get him back. What he did at Punchestown was incredible. He’s a talking horse and there is always a bit of pressure when you are riding one of them. Hopefully he can come and strut his stuff again.”

Ned is quite simply a course specialist

Simply Ned simply loves Leopardstown. He has been successful in this race for the last two years in a row and we now know you ignore Nicky Richards' stable star at your peril, despite his advancing years.

Simply Ned: has an excellent record at LeopardstownCredit: Caroline Norris

Richards said of the 12-year-old: "He's been going there for a good few years, which shows what a good constitution he has. He ran a grand race at Cheltenham last time and goes there in fine fettle. Hopefully, he'll have a clean run and if he does, he should be right there at the finish."

Trip a concern for A Plus Tard

Chacun Pour Soi has never won at the Cheltenham Festival, indeed he has never even run there, but one horse who has done both is A Plus Tard.

The runaway winner of the Close Brothers Novices' Chase is a leading fancy for the Ryanair Chase in March and Henry de Bromhead admitted an extra few furlongs would not go amiss for his flamboyant five-year-old.

“A Plus Tard is in great form and I was very happy with his Navan run,” said De Bromhead.

“We would love an extra couple of furlongs and the trip is probably on the sharp side, but I would be hoping he can still run well.”

Hard to knock Hardline form

Hardline gave ante-post Ryanair Chase favourite Min a mighty scare in the John Durkan at Punchestown earlier this month and he will be out to bring down another Ricci-owned favourite here.

Hardline (3): made Min work hard last time outCredit: Caroline Norris

"We were thrilled with his run at Punchestown,” said trainer Gordon Elliott. “He returned to his best there and has been in good form since.”

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