Unbeaten chaser Min bids to boost Champion claims in absence of Douvan

Paddy's Rewards Club Chase | Grade 1 | 2m1f | 5yo+ | RTE2/ATR

With stablemate Douvan sidelined through injury, Min gets the chance to advertise his Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase claims when putting his unbeaten record over fences on the line here.

The six-year-old landed the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase at this meeting a year ago before missing the rest of the season following a setback.

Second favourite behind Altior for the Champion Chase at a general 3-1, the Willie Mullins-trained and Rich and Susannah Ricci-owned Min faces five rivals here.

He won a three-runner event over 2m4f at Gowran Park on his reappearance last month and Paul Townend, who rode him to victory on that occasion, said: "Min got things his own way at Gowran but it was good to get him back on track and I'm looking forward to riding him again."

Gordon Elliott, who is represented by five-time chase winner Ball D'Arc as well as Tell Us More, said: "Ball D'Arc has loads of experience and has been very consistent. He won a Grade 3 at Naas last time and, although this will be tougher, he has his chance based on the ratings.

"Tell Us More has always had ability but can run hot and cold and you're never sure what to expect from him."

Woodland Opera won a Grade 2 at Punchestown last time and trainer Jessica Harrington said: "He goes well over the trip and will handle the ground. This will be a stiffer test but he's in good form and we're hoping he might run in the first three."

The Nicky Richards-trained Simply Ned, who has been placed in the race for the last three years, will bid to become the first British-trained winner

Richards said: "He's a grand horse and he's in good form. He's been over to Ireland four times and always runs his race. There will be more who finish behind him than in front of him."

Completing the six-runner field is Ordinary World, runner-up to Ball D'Arc at Naas on his most recent start. He represents Henry de Bromhead, who made a bright start to the four-day meeting on Tuesday when sending out three winners.

Read exclusive previews from 6pm daily on racingpost.com