FOR many, Galopin Des Champs’ impressive wins in the Savills Chase has been the highlight of a jam-packed festive calendar for the last two years, but the lack of a recent run casts doubt over a repeat performance at 2.30pm on December 28th.

Close thirds in the John Durkan Chase preceded Galopin Des Champs’ two previous victories, but he will be making his seasonal debut the three-mile test this year and, as a nine-year-old now, it looks a big ask. That said, a similar effort to his placings on his seasonal returns at Punchestown may be enough to win on Sunday, but perhaps not as impressively as before.