Willie Mullins reports his Energumene in good condition after a Navan lung-opener this week ahead of a Queen Mother Champion Chase rematch with Nicky Henderson's Shishkin.
There was speculation on the well-being of Mullins' eight-year-old after a drift on the betting exchanges but Mullins was quick to quash any rumours..
Energumene was just a length short of Shishkin at Ascot last time out but an upbeat report on his schooling session from Mullins suggests the big clash remains very much on.
Mullins said: "Energumene pulled out well this morning. He did a canter and I was very pleased."
Several of Willie Mullins' top #CheltenhamFestival hopes in the paddock at @NavanRacecourse before heading out to work on the track. Al Boum Photo, Energumene, Klassical Dream & Concertista are among them. pic.twitter.com/s2t62NVDGc
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 5, 2022
Dual Gold Cup hero Al Boum Photo was another in action at Navan, as was Stayers' Hurdle contender Klassical Dream.
Mullins added: "All the other horses (that worked at Navan) are well also."
Energumene is a best-priced 4-1 chance for the Champion Chase behind the odds-on Shishkin, with the latter having come out on top by a length in an epic duel for the Clarence House Chase at Ascot in January.
