Punchestown racing tips: William Hill Champion Chase - Energumene set to dominate again
- Planet Sport writer
- 25 April 2023
Our friends at Tipstrr have been studying the form for the William Hill Champion Chase, but it appears that the best value bets lie in seeing who will finish second to odds-on favourite Energumene.
17:25 William Hill Champion Chase (Grade One)
Since winning this same race eight and half lengths ahead of Chacun Pour Soi last year, Energumene has won two of his three outings by a combined 25-length distance.
Firstly, he was 15 lengths too good for his nearest rival on season debut in December, before an uncharacteristic sub-par jumping performance saw him finish a well-beaten third in the Clarence House in January.
That setback was quickly forgotten, however, when he landed the Queen Mother Champion Chase by an impressive 10-length margin to provide Willie Mullins and Paul Townend with yet another Cheltenham Festival success.
Suggested bet:
Energumene to win the 17:25 at Punchestown
Of the remainder, Chacun Pour Soi reopposes here but at 33/1 is not expected to come any closer to the favourite than he did a year ago, and realistically only Gentleman Du Mee and Blue Lord look equipped to give Energumene something to think about.
That said, Magic Daze remains something of an unknown quantity under Rachael Blackmore after refusing to race despite attracting some market support for the Mares' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, and she might be worth a cautious punt each-way (if she's in the mood to start!).
Each-way punt:
Magic Daze each-way in the 17:25 at Punchestown
