Paul Nicholls is set to take a strong team to Punchestown later this month, headed by Cheltenham Gold Cup third Neptune Collonges.

The front running grey landed the Grade 1 Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup 12 months ago and will bid for a repeat win on the back of a personal best performance behind stablemates Denman and Kauto Star.

"Neptune Collonges definitely goes to Punchestown," said Nicholls. "He's in fine form at home and, since Cheltenham, the Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup has been his target.

"He ran a great race in the Gold Cup and I was very, very pleased with him."

Master Minded has been left in the Kerrygold Champion Chase over two miles but Nicholls is more likely to be represented by Natal and Andreas, while Twist Magic could also travel.

"Natal will probably run in the Kerrygold Champion Chase," said Nicholls. "He's in good order and has come out of the Topham Chase fine.

"The owners are from Ireland so it's highly likely that he'll run.

"Andreas has got that as an option and is also a possible for the race."

And Takeroc, who finished second to Tidal Bay in the Grade 1 Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree last week, is likely to line up in the Grade 1 Cathal Ryan Memorial Swordlestown Cup Novice Chase on April 24.

"Takeroc is entered in the Kerrygold Champion Chase but he is more likely to go for the Swordlestown Chase on the Thursday," added Nicholls.

"He's come out of his race at Liverpool fine."  

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