Son Patrick aboard favourite Carter as Mullins runs just two

5.30 Cheltenham
Weatherbys Champion Bumper | 2m | Grade 1 | ITV/RUK

Willie Mullins may have landed this prize a record eight times but he has thrown lots of darts at the bullseye over the last few years and failed to hit it. Battleford hit the wire and landed in the '25' last year, but this time around Ireland's champion trainer has adopted a different approach with just two darts fired – Carter McKay and Next Destination.

Less than 24 hours after Getabird was ruled out, Carter McKay bridged the gap left as ante-post favourite with an authoritative display in a four-runner affair.

It was not the horses he beat nor the distance he won by which had punters purring, but rather the manner of the performance. Patrick Mullins keeps the ride, with Ireland's champion amateur bidding to win the race for a third time following victories on Cousin Vinny in 2008 and Champagne Fever in 2012.

Ruby Walsh is apparently not on the number-one stable hope, at least according to the market, but Mullins has said his homework has been very good over the last few weeks and his price keeps shortening as a result.

As always, there is a strong Irish challenge as the Jessica Harrington-trained Someday has been a leading contender since he won at Leopardstown in February, while Backmaj and Debuchet are others towards the top of the market.

And what a story it would be if Quick Grabim could give Robbie McNamara a first festival winner as a trainer. Dry eyes would be impossible to find if that happened.

Festival debutante

Kate Harrington, 27, will have her first ride at the Cheltenham Festival when she partners Someday – victory for whom would make her mother, Jessica, the winningmost female trainer at the festival.

What they say

Nicky Richards, trainer of Better Getalong
He's a tough horse and I don't think anything will faze him. He's a high-class chaser in the making and will beat more than beats him.

Willie Mullins, trainer of Carter McKay and Next Destination
Carter McKay has won both his starts and Patrick, who has won the race on two occasions, on Cousin Vinny and Champagne Fever, rides. Although it was only a four-runner race at Naas, I thought Carter McKay won really well and if he reproduces that sort of form then he should run a big race. Ruby rides Next Destination, who won at Fairyhouse on his only start. He's been doing some very nice work at home and it will be no surprise to see him bang there at the finish."

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Claimantakinforgan
He ran well at Doncaster after a break and that's solid form. He's in good order and I think this Champion Bumper is more open than normal.

Alan King, trainer of Perfect Harmony
He's a fine, big horse who won well on his debut at Newbury and it was too late in the season to go hurdling, so we have decided to let him take his chance. It's a huge step up and I fear there may be some too good for him, but he should give a good account. He's a fine hurdling prospect for next season.

Robbie McNamara, trainer of Quick Grabim
He's in great form and looks really well. Inexperience cost him at Exeter but I do think that going back left-handed and the drying ground will help him. I'm convinced he's a fair horse.

Kate Harrington, rider of Someday
I can't wait. I've always loved him and held him in high regard. After he won at Leopardstown last time I told Mum he had to go to Cheltenham, although I didn't think I'd be the one riding him. The main thing is to get a good position early and take it from there.

Mags Mullins, trainer of Debuchet
He travelled over nicely and seems to be in great form. He looked good at Leopardstown last time, but this is obviously a big step up. Whether he's good enough, I don't know.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Fayonagh
She's in seriously good form. How she'll handle the drying ground is the question. If she goes on it then she has the ability to run a big race.