MAR 11: CHELTENHAM TIPS – 5:15 CHAMPION BUMPER

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THIS is historically a race that Willie Mullins has a fantastic record in, even before he started to dominate the rest of the festival too.

This year he saddles an incredible seven runners in the race so you might be tempted to think it is a case of finding the best Mullins horse and you’re on the right road. Therein lies the rub. How on earth do you work out which is the best Mullins runner if the stable themselves aren’t even sure.

Bordini is the shortest in the betting and has a solid record so far with two wins from two but so does Pylonthepressure and Un Quart De Tour and Live Love Laugh and… beginning to get the picture? Mullins has an embarrassment of riches. Mostly Rich Ricci’s actually.

5.15 – Weatherbys Champion Bumper

–       This race is run on the flat – no hurdles or fences
–       2 miles
–       Younger horses tend to run in this race before moving on to hurdles races the following year
–       The race has a good record of winners who go on to become good hurdlers and chasers

Main selection: Vigil

So, is there anything that can lay down a challenge here? One that I like the look of is Vigil, who is trained by Dermot Weld (also trains one of my other tips for today – Windsor Park in the Neptune) and looks to have a strong chance. He was fifth in this race last year but it is extremely unusual for a horse to return the next year rather than go hurdling and he will have undoubtedly improved over the course of the year. He put up a decent show in December and has then been put away for this. Crucially there are whispers all over the place for this one and he has been supported in the market so take the 9-1 on offer at totesport just now before it is gone.

Alternative selection: Moon Racer

Moon Racer hacked up in Ireland at Fairyhouse at odds of 50-1 in a valuable bumper before being snapped up and sent to David Pipe to be trained in England. Four days after he was sold he romped home in a bumper over this course and distance and in October and hasn’t been seen since. Even with minimal improvement this one should feature in the shake up and looks a good each-way prospect.

Betting suggestions:

Vigil – 2 points each way at 9-1 with Totesport

Moon Racer – 2 points each way at 7-1 with Totesport