THE Punchestown Gold Cup looks like being an absolute belter with a whole host of top class chasers back in action.

Cheltenham hero Galopin Des Champs will be strutting his stuff for Willie Mullins – but at a track he’s struggled at in the past.

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Dual Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Galopin Des Champs was turned over twice by Fastorslow last April and November at Punchestown.

But Templegate reckons Mullins’ stable star can continue his trainers’ dominance, four days after he became the first Irish-based handler to win the British jumps trainer championship in 70 years.

Don’t discount Martin Brassil’s Fastorslow completely, though.

With a proven liking for Punchestown he can push Galopin the closest, with King George hero Hewick filling the minor places.

Templegate says…

Galopin Des Champs was better than ever when defending his Cheltenham Gold Cup crown.

He travelled so sweetly and had lots left in the tank when scoring by an extended three lengths.

He was beaten in this race 12 months ago by Fastorslow and this isn’t a penalty kick with that rival fancying his chances again.

He unseated when the pace was just picking up at Cheltenham and we’ll never know where he would have finished.

Galopin looked an improved model though and can score here.

It would be no surprise to see Hewick run a big race at tasty odds.

He was brilliant when winning the King George on his last chasing run before his modest hurdles effort at Aintree when he should have been in the National.

Templegate’s Punchestown Gold Cup tip

Galopin Des Champs

Templegate’s 1-2-3 Punchestown Gold Cup prediction

1st Galopin Des Champs
2nd Fastorslow
3rd Hewick

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