Today's Tips: Sir Des Champs can defy near 700-day lay-off at Thurles

Former Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Sir Des Champs is the star attraction on today’s card at Thurles and, if the Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old is within a stone and a half of his best form of two years ago, he should make a winning return in the listed Boomerang Horse & Country Store Chase.

Although out of action for nearly 700 days since the Lexus Chase of 2013, three of his five rivals are returning from absences of more than 200 days, and not guaranteed to be fully wound-up.

On a day when the market will speak volumes, Sir Des Champs must be the choice, though a watching brief may be the best option.