Can Bambino Fever land a rare Champion Bumper double for Jody Townend and Willie Mullins?

It should not come as a major surprise to learn Willie Mullins has an exceptional record in this Grade 1, having landed eight of the last ten runnings, but Facile Vega (2022) is the only one of those winners to score here after winning the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival. 

Bambino Fever bids to emulate the yard's Champagne Fever and Cousin Vinny by recording the double under Jody Townend, but history tells us it is not always that straightforward, with those who fell short including Relegate, Sir Gerhard and Jasmin De Vaux, well beaten in eighth last season.

That said, it is hard to pick holes in the short-priced favourite. She has improved with every start this season, winning at Punchestown and at the Dublin Racing Festival before coming from midfield at Cheltenham to beat the talented Heads Up, who admittedly got an easy time in front. 

Third-placed Shuttle Diplomacy failed to frank the form at Fairyhouse but there is not enough evidence to suggest the Champion Bumper was a weak race and you sense Bambino Fever's rivals will have to find significant improvement to beat her, especially with her mares' allowance.

Colcannon: Grade 2 winner at Leopardstown in FebruaryCredit: Caroline Norris

The market suggests Bambino Fever's main threat is Colcannon, who also has form with Heads Up and was a good winner of a Grade 2 on soft ground at Leopardstown last time. He arrives fresh after beating Sortudo, although the runner-up could manage only seventh at Cheltenham.

Bambino Fever beat the reopposing Copacabana, whose debut win came on testing ground, and Kalypso'chance last time. The latter disappointed after being backed into 5-2 favouritism but had beaten Heads Up on his previous start and is worth another chance, although he may want it softer.

What they say

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Classical Creek and Kalypso'chance
We were obviously a bit disappointed with Kalyps'ochance at Cheltenham. He'd done everything right up to the race but it just didn't happen on the day for him. I think he's better than that and his form from Navan and Punchestown looks good. He seems well in himself. Classical Creek is a nice young horse too and could outrun his odds.

Noel Meade, trainer of Colcannon
His form is stacking up well. At the start of the season the plan was to go jumping with him but we felt he needed more schooling. We decided to go back into bumpers and this race has been the plan since. He won nicely at Leopardstown and we couldn't be happier with him.

Ross O'Sullivan, trainer of Switch From Diesel
She's progressed nicely, the ground shouldn't be a problem and the small field will help. It looks tough but for her pedigree it would be lovely if she's able to place.

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