Galopin Des Champs bids for revenge in the John Durkan Chase on his return to action at Punchestown on Sunday.
The brilliant Gold Cup winner had his colours lowered here at the festival in April by Fastorslow and faces off against that rival again on his seasonal debut.
Willie Mullins' charge had looked like a dominant force in the staying division last season and was imperious at Cheltenham when having to weave his way through the field.
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That race may just have left a mark on him as he didn't appear to be at his best subsequently in the Punchestown Gold Cup.
He came under pressure turning for home then and could only plug on one-paced in the closing stages as Fastorslow sprang a 20/1 shock.
It wouldn't be the first time that the Gold Cup has taken a lot out of a horse and hopefully with a summer off to recuperate he can get back to his brilliant best.
Fastorslow has to be respected as there was nothing flukish about his victory here in April.
He had chased home subsequent Grand National winner Corach Rambler in handicap company at Cheltenham prior to his big success and is a progressive sort.
The seven-year-old looks the obvious danger to Galopin Des Champs in a race where he is the only non-Mullins-trained runner.
Mullins could have another good day and Tullyhill is another likely to go to post a short price on his hurdling debut in the two-mile-five maiden hurdle.
The Martaline gelding was last seen chasing home A Dream To Share in the Cheltenham bumper and will be expected to take high rank among the staying novice hurdlers this term.
In the bumper the champion trainer introduces French import Soir De Garde, a half-brother to the stable's top-class hurdler State Man. He adds further intrigue to a quality packed card.
The Grade Two Craddockstown Novice Chase is the chief support act on the card and Imagine can build on a good performance on his chase debut at Fairyhouse earlier in the month.
Gordon Elliott's charge impressed with his jumping on his first outing over the larger obstacles and looks like the type that could make a better chaser than hurdler.
Lucid Dreams sets the standard in the two-miler off a mark of 140 and Imagine is fancied to surpass that level.
Elliott also looks the man to follow in the Listed mares hurdle with Shecouldbeanything.
She has been consistent and ran well in handicap company at Listowel on her last outing when third to Man O Work in a valuable contest.
GARY CARSONNEXT BEST
11.40: Champagne Platinum Vital Island
12.10: Tullyhill Shannon Royale
12.45: Quest With Speed Bob Cigar
1.20: Shecouldbeanything (Dbl) Anna Bunina
1.55: Imagine (Nap) Uncle Phil
2.30: Galopin Des Champs Fastorslow
3.00: The Shunter Longhouse Poet
3.35: Soir De Garde Prends Garde A Toi
