Big Zeb is reported in fine fettle as he bids to turn the tables on Cheltenham conqueror Sizing Europe at Punchestown next month.

Colm Murphy's star had to settle for second in this year's Champion Chase as he made a valiant bid to hold on to his crown.

The Gorey handler knows he has tough task on his hand trying to reverse the form with Sizing Europe but believes that the horse that shines on the day will prove the victor.

"Punchestown is the plan. Big Zeb has come out of Cheltenham really well and the idea was always to freshen him up and hopefully he should run well there,” said Murphy.

"I suppose whoever is there firing all guns on the day will win the race.

"He ran a blinder at Cheltenham and unfortunately for us, although fortunately for Henry, Sizing Europe was the better horse on the day, but Big Zeb is well and I'm pleased with him.

"Hopefully we can get a bit of nice ground that won't inconvenience him."

Eddie Harty is looking forward to returning to Punchestown with Cheltenham third Captain Cee Bee, having struck gold in novice company at the Festival last year.

"Captain Cee Bee is in great form, I'm happy with him and we are looking forward to Punchestown," said Harty.

"He won well there last year and we couldn't be happier with him.

"He ran well at Cheltenham and I'm looking forward to taking them on again and seeing what happens this time around.

"I would prefer good ground with him but at this time of year you never know what the weather is going to do - the horse is in good form and that's all we can ask for."

The Champion Chase has attracted eight entries, with Sizing Europe, Golden Silver, Changing Course, J'y Vole, Osana and Tataniano the other possibles.