El Fabiolo looks primed to continue big-race monopoly for Willie Mullins

Closutton supremo looks unstoppable on day two of the Festival, while Built By Ballymore can strike for Martin Brassil

El Fabiolo and Paul Townend will be hoping to provide Willie Mullins with a third successive Champion Chase victory. Photo: PA Wire

Michael Verney

He had to wait until 2022 for his first Champion Chase success – but Willie Mullins now looks primed to land the day two showpiece for the third year in succession, with the brilliant El Fabiolo a red-hot favourite.

Last year’s Arkle winner is unbeaten in six chase starts and is considered a banker of the meeting by many with stablemate Energumene unable to defend his crown due to injury.