A look ahead to the Clonmel Oil 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 Thursday's Clonmel Oil Chase. Champagne Fever won the 2012 Champion Bumper and the 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 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 the 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." Ruby Walsh has partnered Champagne Fever on eight of his 10 starts over jumps, but will be watching from the sidelines on Thursday after picking up a one-day suspension at Galway at the end of last month. Paul Townend, who rode the seven-year-old to two victories over hurdles, gets back on board in County Tipperary. Speaking in his Paddy Power blog, Walsh said: "Sizing Europe is a good yardstick - he beat Road to Riches who went on to win at Down Royal - so he sets a fair test. "That said, if Champagne Fever is going to develop into a Grade One chaser you'd be hoping he'll go very close - even though he's bound to come on for the run. "He's a big horse who takes plenty of work but this looks a good opportunity ahead of a possible tilt at the King George on December 26." Sizing Europe looked destined for retirement following 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 pride and joy won the Clonmel Oil Chase two years ago and is reported to be in good shape ahead of his bid to regain his crown. He must, however, 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. He's in good form, though, and he should improve for his run in Gowran," said the trainer. 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. Hennessy said: "He's run in two or three schooling races and he seems in great form. I'm delighted with the rain they've had this week and we're looking forward to it. "It's a very good race, but we have to start somewhere and I'm expecting a good run. He's as fit as we can get him at home. I'm sure he'll come on for the run, but having said that, he always runs well fresh."
