Sub Lieutenant the punt in John Durkan Memorial at Punchestown

This is much hotter contest which clearly demands much more from Sub Lieutenant. but he is on a serious upward curve and looks the type who should have even more to offer.

The trip looks ideal and his sound, attacking jumping technique is another major asset in his armoury, which can enable him to land the hat-trick in a mouthwatering contest.

Djakadam bidding for back-to-back successes

Djakadam was very impressive when slamming Valseur Lido by 12 lengths in the race 12 months ago, so looks sure to make a bold bid to retain his crown.

Trained by Willie Mullins, this eight-year-old posted some top class efforts in 2015, chasing home Coneygree in the Cheltenham Gold Cup before going on to finish a seven-length runner-up to the mighty Don Cossack in a Grade 1 at this track.

Djakadam also ran a stormer to finish runner-up to Don Cossack in this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup and the form of those races sets a clear standard in this line-up.

He is officially rated 11lb superior to Sub Lieutenant, but this is his first run of the season whereas that rival has two under his belt and is primed to the minute.

Djakadam is also prone to making a costly blunder or two, while the selection is a bold front runner who will put his jumping to the test over a trip which is arguably shorter than ideal.

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Coral’s top tip: Sub Lieutenant odds look worth a wager to thwart Djakadam’s bid to win the race for a second time.