CLAN DES OBEAUX is fancied to win back-to-back renewals of the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup (5.55).
Paul Nicholls' chaser follows the same path as 12 months ago, arriving in Ireland via a successful trip to the Grand National meeting. In first-time blinkers, the ten-year-old was in command at Aintree's final fence, but he idled on the run-in before holding Conflated by a length.
Nicholls' horses have really found their stride of late, with a Sandown five-timer rounding off the season and a 13th championship for the Ditcheat handler. Back to a rating around his peak, Clan Des Obeaux has every chance of toppling Allaho as the favourite steps up in distance.
Gold Cup second Minella Indo has shown his best form at Cheltenham, where Galvin ran a solid enough race in fourth. That is probably the pair's limit, while fans of Clan Des Obeaux can be assured he will be fresh and ready to go on the back of a light campaign.
The latter's trainer Willie Mullins sends out THE NICE GUY to follow up his Cheltenham exploits in the Irish Mirror Novice Hurdle (5.55). There was lots to like about his Prestbury Park display, where he relished the step up in trip with a smooth performance.
A horse on such an upgrade is difficult to oppose and he should confirm the form with stablemate Minella Cocooner. However later on the card, AMERICAN MIKE can reverse the Champion Bumper placings on home turf.
Mighty Potter did the same to Sir Gerhard on Tuesday amid a treble for Gordon Elliott and the five-year-old was most impressive on a decent surface at Navan, which he gets here.
Punchestown tips
3.40 LIFE IN THE PARK
4.15 GLENGOULY
4.45 FILS D'OUDAIRIES
5.20 THE NICE GUY
5.55 CLAN DES OBEAUX (NAP)
6.30 AMERICAN MIKE
7.05 CAVALRY MASTER
7.45 BATTLING BESSIE
