Narrow Champion Hurdle runner-up Melon is one of six entries for Willie Mullins in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle on April 27.

Mullins could also saddle the likes of Faugheen, Coral Cup winner Bleu Berry and impressive Fairyhouse scorer Coquin Mans.

Supasundae and, intriguingly, Elliott's top-class novice Samcro are also amongst 16 possible runners in the Grade One.

Samcro holds a clutch of other entries at Punchestown, including in the Profile Systems Champion Novice Hurdle, where there is, at this stage, the mouthwatering prospect of a clash with Laurina.

Also entered in the Grade One on April 27 is the Greatrex-trained Western Ryder.

The trainer said: "The way the weather in England is at the moment, if it doesn't stop raining we'd miss Aintree and go to Punchestown.

Footpad holds an entry in the Ryanair Novice Chase on April 26 but is set to run at Aintree next week.