Champ Kiely and Ile Atlantique part of smart Naas line-up

Paul Townend has sided with Champ Kiely over Ile Atlantique in what looks a fascinating renewal of the Barberstown Castle Chase at Naas on Sunday.

There is little between the Willie Mullins pair on the figures, with Champ Kiely rated 5lb superior but conceding his stable companion 4lb.

However, there is no doubt who ended last season in better form, with Champ Kiely shocking another stablemate, Ballyburn, at Punchestown, albeit over three miles.

Ile Atlantique looked set to be a big player in the championship events when winning his first two races of the season, but his campaign fell apart thereafter and he fell in the same race at the Punchestown Festival won by Champ Kiely.

It is far from a Mullins benefit, though, with Gavin Cromwell-trained Arkle runner-up Only By Night and Henry de Bromhead’s smart Inthepocket also in a five-runner field for the Grade Three feature.

“We are delighted the rain has come and it gives us the opportunity to get these horses out,” said assistant trainer Patrick Mullins.

“Paul Townend has gone with Champ Kiely as he is the dual Grade One winner, including one at Naas.

“He is obviously stepping down significantly in trip and he has to give weight away to everything so it is not going to be an easy task, but it will blow the cobwebs away.”

Mullins added: “I think this trip will suit Ile Atlantique well and he should give Danny (Mullins) a really good spin and go very close.

“But it will be difficult for both horses to give weight away to Inthepocket and Only By Night so it is a cracking race, a real proper race, and hopefully one of our two can come out on top.”