Cheltenham Festival 2015: Champion Bumper preview (17:15)

Irish trainer Willie Mullins once gain has a formidable team for the Champion Bumper (17:15), but the unbeaten Moon Racer looks capable of spoiling the party and landing the spoils for the home team.

This gelding scored in good style by 7 1/2 lengths on his debut at Fairyhouse when trained in Ireland, and the form of the race has worked out well.

The runner-up Sir Scorpion has gone on to score over hurdles, and the fourth home Tycoon Prince – who was beaten a total of 11 1/2 lengths – has gone on to land a hat-trick of bumpers.

Tycoon Prince beat well regarded Willie Mullins trained runners on each occasion, including Up For Review who is considered a live outsider by many for this.

Moon Racer was subsequently purchased for a large sum after that success and made a winning debut for new handler David Pipe when waltzing to a 12 length victory over course and distance.

The six-year-old raced powerfully throughout at the head of affairs and stretched effortlessly clear two furlongs from home to beat Arabic History by 12 lengths in what is traditionally a decent contest.

It was a most taking performance which marked Moon Racer out as a very exciting prospect, and with further improvement assured and proven form at the track he looks the one to be on.

Mullins has farmed the Champion Bumper since it was introduced at the Festival in 1992, winning the contest on eight occasions.
The County Carlow handler has also won two of the last three renewals, and Bordini looks his main hope this year.

The gelding is unbeaten in two starts under rules, making all to win by 2 1/2 lengths at Punchestown before showing a good turn of foot to beat Attribution by 6 1/4 lengths at Navan.