Energumene has something to prove when he returns to Cheltenham to defend his Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase crown on Wednesday.
The horse responsible for ensuring Willie Mullins has the full collection of championship events at the Festival looked set to become the dominant force in the two-mile chase division when following up his Champion Chase triumph in impressive style at the Punchestown Festival before then returning in rude health at Cork in December.
However, his momentum was checked on Trials day when Energumene could only finish third in the rearranged Clarence House Chase.
The master of Closutton identified a couple of reasons for the under-par performance in the aftermath of that contest and is hoping to see his charge correct the record in the day two feature.
"It was great to finally get a Champion Chase last year and I think in the Clarence House he just needed the run over those different style of fences," said Mullins.
"Even though he'd schooled over them at home, sometimes a horse just needs to get out on the track and see the thing and I'm sure that experience will stand to him when it comes to jumping off in the Champion Chase.
"There's no such thing as a slowly-run Champion Chase and I think that's going to suit us.
"The Clarence House was a very tactical race and I think a few jockeys might change tactics the next day.
"We learnt a lot I think and I'm happy and Paul (Townend) is happy he'll improve a lot from that day."
Energumene had to settle for third in the Clarence House with the Gary Moore-trained Editeur Du Gite making most before holding off the fast-finishing Edwardstone in a thrilling finish.
It was Alan King's Arkle hero who went into most notebooks on that occasion and the Barbury Castle
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