Tony McCoy riding Shutthefrontdoor (2L) win the Betfair Mobile For Best Prices Pumper from Village Vic (R) at Newbury racecourse on February 17, 2012 in Newbury, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
Three scintillating displays from Dunguib, Cue Card and Cheltenian in the previous three renewals of the Champion Bumper have given the race’s profile a serious boost and there will be plenty of money flying around in the last on Wednesday.
The race is sure to attract the usual whispers and market moves, but everyone seems to be in agreement that Moscow Mannon (15/2,
Coral) is the best of the Irish contingent.
He appears to have the best form in the book and though Willie Mullins’ Champagne Fever (10/1, Sky Bet) and Pique Sous (9/1,
Betfred) have both looked exciting this season; it is Moscow Mannon that the English fear most.
Market leader A New Year’s Eve (6/1, Paddy Power) has looked very classy on his two starts this season and Royal Guardsman (8/1,
Coral) is potentially high class, but a chance is taken on
VILLAGE VIC (16/1,
Ladbrokes) who looks wildly overpriced ahead of the Bumper.
Philip Hobbs’ point winner looked a fantastic prospect when he bolted clear on his debut for connections at Chepstow and he was close to adding a Newbury Listed event to his CV next time out.
The five-year-old cruised up to the leaders in the contest but hung badly right under pressure and he wandered at the business end of proceedings. The selection eventually went down by a shoulder but it was a race full of promise and he can build on that performance at enticing odds.
Nick Wilby’s selection –
Village Vic (16/1,
Ladbrokes)