Royal set to reign

REIGNING two-mile champion chaser Put The Kettle On makes her seasonal debut in the

Grade 2 PWC Champion Chase in Gowran Park today.

Henry de Bromhead’s mare, whose unbeaten record at Cheltenham (four from four) includes victories in the Arkle in 2020 and the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase last March, will be re-united with regular partner Aidan Coleman as she embarks on the new campaign.

At her best over two miles, she has won at today’s trip, two and a half miles, and boasts a current rating of 159.

But the seven-year-old, last seen when fourth to Greaneteen in the Celebration Chase at Sandown in April, will be at a fitness disadvantage against the Willie Mullins (above) trained pair Easy Game, a convincing winner of this event last year, and Royal Rendezvous.

This pair filled the first two places in the Galway Plate nine weeks ago, when Royal Rendezvous, receiving 4lb from his stable-companion, prevailed by a length.

Royal Rendezvous, who went into that race on the back of a hurdle win in Ballinrobe, went up 8lb for his Plate win, when he proved his stamina. And he meets Easy Game on 1lb better terms today, receiving 5lb from his stable-companion who is closely matched with Pat Fahy’s Castlegrace Paddy on Fairyhouse form last Easter.

While Royal Rendezvous hasn’t been seen since Galway, Easy Game outpointed Ballyoisin in a three-runner conditions event in Listowel two weeks ago, when Paul Townend stalked the winner in a tactical masterclass.

Easy Game and Castlegrace Paddy must concede 5lb to both Royal Rendezvous and Put The Kettle On in what should be a fascinating affair. And marginal preference is for Royal Rendezvous.