Mullins cautious as Champagne Fever takes on Sizing Europe in Clonmel

Willie Mullins has warned his dual Cheltenham Festival hero Champagne Fever is likely to need the run as he prepares for a fascinating clash with Sizing Europe in today's Clonmel Oil Chase.

Champagne Fever won the 2012 Champion Bumper and following year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and was only narrowly denied a Festival hat-trick when beaten a head by outsider Western Warhorse in the Arkle Trophy last spring.

The King George VI Chase at Kempton on St Stephen’s Day has already been identified as the flying grey’s likely mid-season target, but he must first lock horns with one of the most popular chasers of recent times in today’s Grade Two feature.

Mullins said: “On the ratings, we might have a few pounds in hand, but I imagine our fellow might need the run.

“If we get the tactics right with him, hopefully he will improve into the horse we thought he was and showed at Cheltenham two years ago.”

On board

Ruby Walsh has partnered Champagne Fever on eight of his 10 starts over jumps, but will be watching from the sidelines after picking up a one-day suspension at Galway last month.

Paul Townend, who rode the seven-year-old to two victories over hurdles, will be on board.

Sizing Europe looked destined for retirement after an emotional success at the Punchestown Festival in the spring, but he is back for another season and made a winning return in last month's PWC Champion Chase at Gowran Park.

Henry de Bromhead’s charge won the Clonmel Oil Chase two years ago and is reported to be in good shape. He must, concede weight to all but one of his six rivals, including 11lb to Champagne Fever.

“It’s a good race and he has to give away plenty of weight, which isn’t ideal,” said the trainer. “He’s in good form, though, and he should improve for his run in Gowran.”

Leading owners Gigginstown House Stud are double-handed, with Gordon Elliott’s Roi Du Mee joined by the Mouse Morris-trained Rathlin.

Elliott also runs Realt Mor, while Tom Mullins’ Alderwood and Robbie Hennessy’s stable star Rubi Light complete the line-up.

Mullins has confirmed top-class mare Annie Power will remain over hurdles this season. The hugely exciting six-year-old has won 11 of her 12 starts, suffering her only defeat when runner-up behind More Of That in the World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Barry Geraghty will miss the ride on Champion Hurdle winner Jezki at Punchestown on Sunday. He will instead be in action at Cheltenham to partner StanJames.com Greatwood Hurdle favourite Vaniteux. Mark Walsh is now expected to partner Jezki for the first time.