Zanahiyr poised to exact revenge on Quilixios in quality Grade 1 finale

4.00 Punchestown
Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle (Grade 1) | 2m | 4yo | RTE2/RTV

The season's final Grade 1 has attracted a stellar line-up, showcasing Ireland's five highest-rated juvenile hurdlers – as well as one without a rating who would easily make that list.

Most of what Henry de Bromhead has touched this spring has turned to gold, but Punchestown will have proved a more frustrating week for the leading trainer, who is bidding to end an unforgettable campaign on a high note with Triumph Hurdle hero Quilixios.

That was the Cheveley Park-owned four-year-old's first start since departing Gordon Elliott's yard and it appeared as though the vibes from Cullentra previously suggested Zanahiyr was the superior juvenile, albeit Quilixios offered significant potential from a more long-term perspective.

Zanahiyr: sent off the 11-8 favourite for the JCB Triumph Hurdle after two impressive wins on home soilCredit: Patrick McCann

That notion was turned on its head in the Triumph, with Zanahiyr finishing four and three-quarter lengths behind his former stablemate in fourth, beaten as the 11-8 favourite.

However, Zanahiyr's run was difficult to understand.

He had shown speed and stamina in equal measure when winning fast and slowly run races at Leopardstown and Fairyhouse, but he took a little bit of a grip in the early stages and the winner got rolling earlier than him.

Jack Kennedy seemed to expect an automatic change of gear when waiting with his effort, but the 1m4f Flat maiden winner failed to pick up.

When it became obvious he wasn't going to reel in the front three, he wisely wasn't given a hard time and it wouldn't be a shock if he's ridden more aggressively here to turn the tables.

Quilixios (blue cap): will bid to confirm his Cheltenham form with the unexposed Haut En Couleurs (yellow and black silks)Credit: Edward Whitaker

The third from the Triumph, Haut En Couleurs, remains open to any amount of improvement and Paul Townend has sided with him over the other Willie Mullins-trained candidate Saint Sam.

The latter's two-length defeat in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle to the reopposing Jeff Kidder looks even better now after the rapidly improving youngster successfully stepped into Grade 2 company when landing the Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

He'll need to keep progressing to make it three major wins on the bounce, but it would be unwise to suggest where exactly his ceiling is at this stage.

McManus-owned Mica Malpic flies the flag for France

First Gold became the first and only French-trained runner to win at the Punchestown festival when claiming the 2003 Heineken Gold Cup.

Mica Malpic, trained by David Cottin, will be the first French raider at the meeting for 13 years and represents First Gold's owner JP McManus.

The intriguing visitor hasn't been seen since October due to a small setback but looked very promising when winning readily on his debut last June.

He was turned over as 4-5 favourite on his only other start that autumn at Compiegne but Cottin – the man who sent out Easysland to strike at last year's Cheltenham Festival – is pleased with his representative ahead of this major test.

David Cottin enjoyed a landmark day at Auteuil on Sunday with Le Berry and Paul's SagaCredit: John Grossick

"He's fit and in good condition," said the trainer, who will be saddling his first runner in Ireland.

"It's far from easy opposition but if he can get into a good position I think he'll run well. He's easy to train and while he might lack a bit of experience, I'm not worried about lack of a recent run."

What they say

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Quilixios
He's had a super year. He's in good shape and we're looking forward to seeing how he gets on.

Denise Foster, trainer of Zanahiyr
He'd been having a great season up until Cheltenham when he was beaten fair and square on the day. We'd like to think that he's better than he showed there so hopefully he'll run a big race.

Noel Meade, trainer of Jeff Kidder
This is a bit of a shot in the dark but it's a last hurrah for the juveniles this season in Grade 1 company and we're happy to take a chance. We hope he'll keep improving, he needs to against some very good horses, but he came out of his run at Fairyhouse in terrific form. He's got a great constitution.

Willie Mullins, trainer of Haut En Couleurs and Saint Sam
Haut En Couleurs ran a stormer to be third behind Quilixios in the Triumph Hurdle and we are hoping he has improved since. If he has, he should go close. Saint Sam was a shade unlucky when second in the Fred Winter. He has a great each-way chance here.

Download the free Racing Post app for cards, form, tips, in-app betting and to watch live races. Download for free at racingpost.com/mobile or search Racing Post app