Willie Mullins responsible for nine of 13 entries in Punchestown Gold Cup

A blockbuster clash between Allaho, Clan Des Obeaux, Minella Indo, Galvin, Fakir D'Oudairies and Al Boum Photo remains on the table after the key players for next week's Punchestown Gold Cup stood their ground at the latest entry stage on Thursday.

Willie Mullins is responsible for nine of the 13 still in contention for Wednesday's Ladbrokes-backed highlight, with Envoi Allen, Delta Work, Minella Times and Saint Calvados among seven who were removed from the race.

King George hero Tornado Flyer could contest the €275,000 prize, as well as stablemates Kemboy, Janidil, Melon, Burrows Saint, Royal Rendezvous and Brahma Bull.

There were generally no major surprises as possible fields for the opening three days of next week's €3.1 million extravaganza were revealed.

Constitution Hill, Jonbon, Colonel Mustard and Brandy Love were taken out of the 2m½f Bective Stud Champion Novice Hurdle on Tuesday, but Sir Gerhard, Dysart Dynamo, El Fabiolo, State Man, Kilcruit, Mighty Potter, Three Stripe Life and Flame Bearer are still in the mix.

All seven entries in the William Hill Champion Chase stood their ground, including Energumene, Chacun Pour Soi and Envoi Allen. Allaho and Fakir D'oudairies have the option of top-level contests over 2m and 3m.

Clan Des Obeaux: heading back to PunchestownCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Sunday's runaway BoyleSports Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs was unsurprisingly taken out of the 3m½f Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase (Tuesday) and 2m Barberstown Castle Novice Chase (Thursday).

Bob Olinger is the standout name in the first of those Grade 1 contests, which also features Manifesto Novices' Chase scorer Millers Bank, while impressive Maghull Novices' Chase winner Gentleman De Mee and Arkle runner-up Gabynako could be seen in the shorter event.

Unbeaten Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle winner The Nice Guy may attempt to follow up in Wedensday's Grade 1 Irish Mirror Novice Hurdle over 3m, a race won last year by stablemate Galopin Des Champs.

Minella Crooner, who was forced to miss the Albert Bartlett due to a pulled muscle, has been given the option of returning to the fray at Punchestown alongside Ballymore final-flight faller Journey With Me.

Brilliant Champion Bumper winner Facile Vega is one of seven Willie Mullins-trained contenders for the Race & Stay At Punchestown Champion Bumper on Wednesday.

American Mike, who surrendered his unbeaten record when chasing the gelded son of Quevega home at Cheltenham, also holds an entry for the Grade 1 contest.

Buveur D'Air, Champ, Thyme Hill and Zanahiyr were some of the major names to be removed from the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle.

Thursday's feature event still features top-level performers such as last year's breathtaking winner Klassical Dream, Paisley Park, Sire Du Berlais, Melon and Concertista.

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The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday