Galopin Des Champs and Fastorslow still in John Durkan field
Paul Townend ridding Galopin Des Champs
Eleven have stood their ground for Sunday’s John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown including big rivals Galopin Des Champs and Fastorslow.
Ireland’s two best staying chasers have met six times and are level pegging with each coming out on top three times.
Top amateur Derek O’Connor will ride Fastorslow for Martin Brassil, as JJ Slevin is injured, while Galopin Des Champs is one of six left in by Willie Mullins.
Including the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Willie Mullins.has left six in the race - Blue Lord, Capodanno, Fact To File, Grangeclare West and Minella Cocooner.
Owner JP McManus holds a strong hand because as well as Fact To File, he also has the Jimmy Mangan-trained Spillane’s Tower, winner of two Grade Ones last term.
The famous McManus silks could also be sported by Gavin Cromwell’s pair of Inothewayurthinkin and Limerick Lace, while Henry de Bromhead has left in Journey With Me in the Robcour colours.
Paddy Power make Fact To File their 6/4 favourite, with Fastorslow 9/4 and Galopin Des Champs 7/2.
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