Willie Mullins admits Champagne Fever has something to prove on Saturday

Champagne Fever: Returns to action with point to prove

Champagne Fever bids to get his season back on track in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown on Saturday.

Last season's star bumper horse having landed the championship events at both the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals, the six-year-old made a smart debut over obstacles at Cork in mid-November.

The grey was far from disgraced when second to leading novice Jezki in the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse next time, but then ran deplorably when long odds-on for a Grade Two contest at Naas a month ago.

He was subsequently found to be suffering from a respiratory problem and while Willie Mullins has been happy with his charge since, he is taking nothing for granted as he lines up against a number of top-class prospects.

"Champagne Fever is coming back and I've been quite happy with him since his last run," said Mullins.

"He needs to go and show what he's made of now, but I think he has a bit to prove in top-class company."

Dessie Hughes plays a strong hand with both Minsk and Bright New Dawn taking their chances in the two-and-a-quarter-mile contest.

Hughes said: "Minsk is very well and I think he'll appreciate the better ground he'll hopefully get as it was very testing in Naas the last day. Bright New Dawn should run a nice race as well, he'll go on any ground."