Paul Townend: 'I had to stick with Energumene, he's a Champion Chase winner'

Paul Townend picked Chacun Pour Soi and Energumene for the Champion Chase. Townen chose Enerumne because he is a Champion chaser winner. The main concern for Eenerumen is the conditions. Willie Mullins has no concerns about the ground.   The ground will be fine. It always water very well at Punchestown. There will also be a novice hurdle. Paul Townens hopes he picked the right horses. He is six from seven over fences. His only defeat was at Clarence House. Egerumena touched an in-running low of 1.13 on Betfair.

Chacun Pour Soi won the Dublin Chase in February. He hasn't shown his best in England, but Willie Mullins is not giving up on a revival here. Patrick Mullin's son, who rides Chac un Pour soi, is looking forward to being reunited with him. Chun pour sois has won at this track twice already. He has six Grade 1 wins on his CV.

Envoi Allen has had an indifferent campaign. He has 13 lengths to make up on Energumene from their clash in the Champion Chase. The initial plan was for EnvoI Allen to tackle the Celebration Chase at Sandown on Saturday but the ground was deemed too quick. Henry de Bromhead has chosen to stay at home instead. De Brom head also saddles Captain Guinness and will go back to two miles with him at Punchestown.

Gordon Elliott believes Andy Dufresne will have a big ask against the likes of Energumene and Envoi Allen at Cheltenham Festival. Paul Townend stuck with Enerumen.

Paul Townend chose Energumene for Tuesday's match in Punchestown.