'He has to prove he's the up-and-coming force' - Willie Mullins favours Galopin Des Champs in Savills Chase showdown with Fact To File

Galopin Des Champs put in one of the best staying performances in living memory when annihilating a quality field by 23 lengths in the Savills Chase 12 months ago but stablemate Fact To File is out to dethrone the dual Gold Cup winner in his backyard in a fascinating running of the 3m½f Grade 1.

The reigning champion's record over fences at Leopardstown is flawless. His memorable chase debut three years ago came at this track and he has won four Grade 1s here since, three of them over this course and distance.

Last season's outstanding staying novice chaser Fact To File beat him two and three-quarter lengths into third when the pair met in an enthralling John Durkan last month, but the step back up in trip at a track where he has enjoyed convincing victories will play to Galopin Des Champ's strengths and it promises to be another fascinating duel with big repercussions on the Gold Cup market.

Willie Mullins (right) and Paul Townend with the Gold Cup after Galopin Des Champs won the race for a second time in MarchCredit: Michael Steele (Getty Images)

Trainer Willie Mullins said: "Fact To File ran a cracker coming back to win the John Durkan at Punchestown, however Galopin Des Champs wouldn't be seen at his best over that trip. This distance will suit him better and it will be up to Fact To File to prove himself the young pretender.

"Galopin Des Champs likes this track, the trip, there's a lot in his favour on Saturday and it's up to the other horse to prove he is the up-and-coming force."

Mullins also saddles last season's Grand National hero I Am Maximus, who will be making his first start since he thundered seven and a half lengths clear of Delta Work to give the champion trainer his second success in the race. Grade 1-winning novice Grangeclare West and bet365 Gold Cup winner Minella Cocooner complete a formidable Closutton team.

Mullins said: "I Am Maximus starts on the road to his Randox Grand National defence and Aintree will be his aim this year. Grangeclare West and Minella Cocooner would have to improve considerably to trouble the main contenders. Grangeclare West will be a lot better for his comeback run in the John Durkan though."

Heart Wood: put in an excellent display when landing a competitive handicap chase at this track in February by 14 lengthsCredit: Patrick McCann

Heart Wood out to make a splash in Grade 1 open company

The Henry de Bromhead-trained Heart Wood nearly made his Grade 1 breakthrough in the Drinmore this month when narrowly failing to reel in Croke Park and now meets the best stayers in the country having lost his novice status.

The lightly raced six-year-old put in an excellent display when landing a competitive handicap chase at this track in February by 14 lengths before finishing third to Inothewayurthinkin in a Grade 1 at Aintree on his final start of last season.

He made a promising reappearance this season when powering clear of Corbetts Cross at Wexford before coming agonisingly close at Fairyhouse. He is one of two contenders for owners Robcour and Rachael Blackmore takes the mount as she seeks her first win in the race.

De Bromhead said: "He seems in good from. It's a hot race but hopefully he will run well and he has already won around Leopardstown."

What they say

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Conflated
This season hasn't gone to plan so far, but he loves Leopardstown and hopefully a return to the track will reignite him. He's up against it in such a hot race, but he's a very good horse when on a going day. He didn't enjoy the banks at Cheltenham, which was a shame as we thought he would.

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Inothewayurthinkin
I thought he ran okay in the John Durkan and jumped well in the main. When the front ones quickened away, he kept going before getting a bit tired. The step back up to three miles will be a big help but he'll definitely want ease in the ground.

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