Champion chaser Energumene will be one of the stars at Punchestown next week.

He runs in Wednesday’s Grade 1 William Hill Champion Chase at Punchestown and his principal rival will be his stablemate, Chacun Pour Soi, a two time Grade 1 winner at the track.

Trainer Willie Mullins says Chacun Pour Soi, who won this race last year, could put in another bold bid to do so again.

"He likes the track, he put up a great performance there last year. It might be to his advantage if this dry weather stays going. I always have great faith in him. He likes the place and we gave him a nice break after Cheltenham (unseated rider in the Queen Mother).

"He'll go there hopefully right. But he's older now and he mightn't just be at his best. Energumene is obviously the one to beat on the day. I imagine Paul (Townend) won't desert Energumene."

Seven horses were left in at yesterday's entry stage including Queen Mother third Envoi Allen and also Allaho and Fakir D'oudairies both of whom have the option of running in the following afternoon's Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup over three miles.