Champion Bumper 2025 - British challenger overpriced at 25/1
The 2025 Champion Bumper, the only flat race at the Cheltenham Festival, promises an exciting lineup. Top contenders include Gameofinches, who leads the odds after a strong Punchestown win, and Copacabana, praised for a debut victory. Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott bring formidable runners like Aqua Force and Kalypso'chance, while British hopes rest on David Pipe's Windbeneathmywings. With standout performances across the board, the race is set to deliver high stakes and thrilling competition. Mossy Fen Road emerges as a notable contender following a commanding victory at Wetherby.
- Free guide to the 2025 Champion Bumper
- This race will take place on day two of the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday 12th March
- Mossy Fen Road features in our verdict
The only flat race to be staged during the Cheltenham Festival is the Champion Bumper, which takes place at the end of Wednesday's Champion Chase card.
Here's our free guide to the 2025 Champion Bumper, featuring the latest odds, expert analysis and our best betting tips.
*Note - Best bets won't be finalised until the field has been confirmed*
2025 Champion Bumper Odds
| Name | Odds |
|---|---|
| Gameofinches | 4/1 |
| Copacabana | 5/1 |
| Windbeneathmywings | 13/2 |
| Bambino Fever | 8/1 |
| Kalypso'chance | 8/1 |
| Bar | 12/1 |
2025 Champion Bumper Runners
Willie Mullins often uses the Grade Two at the Dublin Racing Festival to ready his top Champion Bumper contenders. Unbeaten mare, Bambino Fever stormed to victory under Jodie Townend that day, but since then, three more Mullins horses have thrown their hats into the Cheltenham ring.
Gameofinches shot to the head of the market after tanking to victory at Punchestown last month. Copacabana earned rave reviews for his impressive debut victory at Navan. Mullins will also be represented by recent Gowran Park winner Aqua Force, who was snapped up by JP McManus following that 28-length triumph and sent to the Champion Trainer.
Gordon Elliott will be represented again by Jalon D'oudairies, who finished third in this race 12 months ago and has been off the track since, meaning he's still eligible to take part. Elliott and Gigginstown will also run unbeaten Kalypso'chance, who won the same Listed bumper at Navan that Sir Gerhard and Envoi Allen claimed before following up at the Cheltenham Festival.
British hopes seem to rest on the shoulders of David Pipe's Windbeneathmywings, who powered to a hugely impressive victory in a Listed contest at Ascot in December, having run three times in Ireland for Patrick Flynn. Paul Nicholls has spoken highly of No Drama This End, who won his point-to-point before making a successful British debut at Warwick in December.
Willie Mullins has also entered Fairyhouse winner Kaiser Ball, along with Future Prospect and Green Splendour, who both finished fifth as the favourites for their respective races at the Dublin Racing Festival. Gavin Cromwell's Champagne Jury, He Can't Dance for Gordon Elliott, and John McConnell's Heads Up could also fly the flag for Ireland.
Dan Skelton looks set to run Listed winner Fortune De Mer here, along with the unbeaten Dalton Lad. Mossy Fen Road impressed when making a winning debut for Harry Derham. Harry Fry's Idaho Sun and David Maxwell's El Cairos could bolster the home challenge.
2025 Champion Bumper Tips
I certainly won't be backing any of Willie Mullins' runners until riding plans are confirmed. Patrick Mullins has chosen the right Willie runner in each of the past three years and his decision will send a shockwave through the current betting.
Kalypso'chance quickened up smartly to win that Listed race at Navan and Gordon Elliott has been training him for this race ever since. No Drama This End ran out a commanding winner of what looked to be a competitive contest at Warwick, and I fancy he could be Champion Bumper class too.
Dan Skelton is convinced that Fortune De Mer wasn't fully revved up when beaten into fourth at Huntingdon recently and 40/1 is a huge overreaction to that defeat. I was taken with MOSSY FEN ROAD (25/1) when he won at Wetherby too, and Harry Derham's challenger earns my ante-post selection.
A half-brother to the once classy Fury Road, Harry Derham and Barratt Racing opened the checkbook to purchase Mossy Fen Road after he bolted up in an Irish point-to-point for Donnacha Doyle. Ahead of his bumper debut a Wetherby, Derham's recruit was backed into favouritism ahead of an expensive purchase for Olly Murphy, and Jonny Burke's mount put the field to the sword with a powerful challenge from the rear.
I often think it's the last horse to act who wins the Champion Bumper. Burke employed similar tactics at Wetherby - biding his time at the rear, before sweeping to the front around the final bend and kicking four lengths clear without breaking a sweat.
Flemensfirth has produced plenty of top bumper horses, including 2018 Champion Bumper winner Relegate, and Derham has already proven himself capable of readying a horse for the big day. Mossy Fen Road looks a serious horse, and shouldn't be underestimated.
Verdict
I loved what Mossy Fen Road did on his British debut at Wetherby and Harry Derham has said he's definitely going to Cheltenham. He could be a lively outsider in the Champion Bumper.
Mossy Fen Road
2025 Champion Bumper
@25/1 - 5 Units
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