Fever in sparkling form ahead of the Arkle

Champagne Fever strives to maintain his perfect Cheltenham Festival record in Tuesday's Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy.

The Willie Mullins-trained grey claimed the Weatherbys Champion Bumper in 2012 and the Supreme Novices' Hurdle last year, and that is of more relevance to Mullins rather than the fact things have not gone to plan so far this term.

"Things haven't been clear for him this season, but he's done that before and run well at Cheltenham. He appears in very good form and we were delighted with the way he schooled in Leopardstown the other day," said the Co Carlow handler.

"To make a mistake jumping is not like him and his style of jumping is the reason we are going for the Arkle. The Gold Cup in the future is where we are aiming with him and Ruby (Walsh) has the same objective. It would be nice if he was the first Weatherbys Champion Bumper winner to win the Gold Cup. Ruby is very, very pleased with the form he's in."

Walsh said: "He's a good jumper. He'll have no problem staying but he has plenty of speed. Stayers can go close in it and I think he has the pace as well."