Elliott: Outlander in good order after very disappointing Cheltenham run

5.30 Punchestown
Coral Punchestown Gold Cup | (Grade 1) | 5yo+ | 3m½f | RTE/ATR

Gordon Elliott is hoping Outlander, winner of the Grade 1 Lexus Chase at Leopardstown in December, can leave a poor run in the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup last month behind him in Wednesday's feature event on day two of the Punchestown festival.

The trainer said yesterday: "Outlander was very disappointing at Cheltenham and was one of the first horses beaten in the race. We could find no excuse for his performance. However, he's been in good order recently and we're just hoping he can bounce back to form."

Champagne West, winner of the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park in January, represents Henry de Bromhead. He finished only ninth behind Sizing John in the Cheltenham Gold Cup on his most recent start and de Bromhead said: "He ran well for a long way at Cheltenham and while he has a fair bit to find with Sizing John and Djakadam, we think that three miles around Punchestown should suit him."

Completing the line-up is the Anthony Curran-trained 12-year-old Flemenstar who was having his first run for over a year when third behind Ballycasey over two miles at Fairyhouse earlier this month.