Willie Mullins holds the aces as Classic Getaway, Monkfish and Bronn clash in fascinating New Year's Day Chase

Not since Apt Approach in 2012 has the winner of the Savills New Year's Day Chase returned at a price bigger than 2-1. Seven favourites have won in the last decade, but trying to put together the pieces to this particular jigsaw is much trickier than usual.

Dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo won it four times in a row from 2019, while 2021 Gold Cup winner Minella Indo was successful last season. The roll of honour is a who's who of top-notch staying chasers and there could be another added to that list here, with Classic Getaway the Closutton representative on the up.

We have seen him only three times over fences, but two of those appearances were impressive. It was hard not to be taken with his recent Listed win at Thurles, as he had the 156-rated Haut En Couleurs five and a half lengths behind him in second, and he was giving that rival 4lb too. There was certainly substance to that success.

Classic Getaway is race-fit and will be dangerous if let loose on the lead around here. Bronn likes to be prominent, though, as does Minella Crooner, who is a thorough stayer, so the chances are he will be taken on up front.

Bronn struck into himself last time, which explains how he finished 69 lengths behind Minella Crooner at Wexford having traded at a low of 1-3 in-running on Betfair. He has solid novice form tied in with Gerri Colombe and was third in the Brown Advisory.

Jungle Boogie used to be a Closutton resident before moving to the Knockeen yard of Henry de Bromhead, and this sort of trip will be more his thing compared to the two miles he tackled when fourth to El Fabiolo at Cork in the Hilly Way. He remains completely unexposed as a staying chaser and this will let us know where we stand with him.

Longhouse Poet probably has the Grand National as his ultimate aim, while Minella Crooner could lack the tactical speed against this classy lot at a track like Tramore. Roi Mage is an admirable servant but could struggle in this company.

'Race-fitness could be the key for Classic Getaway' – Willie Mullins looks to continue dominance

Willie Mullins goes in search of win number nine in the New Year's Day Chase and is double-handed with a team of talented staying chasers.

Jockey bookings would suggest Classic Getaway is the number one stable hope. With Paul Townend on duty at Fairyhouse for Allegorie De Vassy and Nick Rockett, Danny Mullins is on the up-and-coming second-season novice.

The trainer said: "He's race-fit coming into it, which could be key in these conditions, so Danny is sticking with him."

On Bronn, he added: "He looked like he had a good opportunity at Wexford but struck into himself. This is going to be a tough task for him but I think he'll handle the ground and the track."

What they say

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Minella Crooner
It looks a hot race, as it always tends to be, but he seems in good form and hopefully he can put his effort in the Porterstown Chase behind him – that turned into a real slog in the conditions. He has some good form in the book and should give a good account of himself.

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Jungle Boogie
We'll learn more about him here over what you'd imagine will be more his trip. We were happy with his first run for us in the Hilly Way and he seems to have been in good form since.

New Year's Day previews:

12.55 Cheltenham: 'This is a smashing race for him' - Nigel Twiston-Davies hoping for a big show from Matata in novice handicap chase

1.30 Cheltenham: Another Genius at work? Inch House following similar path to stablemate Monbeg Genius as he bids for a hat-trick

2.05 Cheltenham: Can classy Stage Star pull off another weight-carrying feat at Cheltenham in New Year's Day Handicap Chase?

2.25 Fairyhouse: 'This looks a nice opportunity for her' - leading Mares' Chase fancy Allegorie De Vassy the one to beat

2.40 Cheltenham: Take note of Tom George's race record - key pointers and quotes for the 3m handicap hurdle

3.15 Cheltenham: 'We have a crown to defend' - Marie's Rock primed for Bob Olinger clash in Relkeel Hurdle