Racing/Rest of Cheltenham preview: Racecourse talk is usually cheap, but when it comes to the Champion Bumper Willie Mullins's opinion is pure gold.

So, when the former champion trainer says Missed That is as good as anything he has ever brought over for the race, it really ought to pay to listen.

Mullins has won the Wednesday finale four times. Those winners have ranged from the blazing raw talent of Florida Pearl to the fleeting glory that was Wither Or Which. There was even the surprise of Joe Cullen and the dour determination of Alexander Banquet.

But all told it means Mullins can take the pulse of this race like no one else, and his fingers are telling him that Missed That is a real contender.

There was a widespread gamble on the horse when Mullins brought his festival team to Leopardstown for a gallop 10 days ago and Missed That demolished his rivals. Mind you, a horse with his raw pace was always going to out-kick the likes of Rule Supreme and Our Ben, but it was nevertheless impressive.

Coming on the back of a good win at Naas, it was encouraging for the horse who carries the Florida Pearl colours of Violet O'Leary. But it's Mullins' assertion that Missed That is his best chance of the meeting that really hints at what might be about to come.

The presence of Kieren Fallon aboard last year's runner-up, Refinement, as well as Jamie Spencer on Buena Vista, adds interest to the race, but there is enough Irish talent on show to suggest they can come out on top.

Eye On The Ball is an interesting contender now that Conor O'Dwyer gets the leg up, while Beautiful Vision is another that can go well. But Missed That can bring up the Mullins Five.

There is so much to admire in Royal Paradise and his trainer, Tom Foley, that it goes against the grain to row against them in the SunAlliance Hurdle.

Nevertheless, it's hard to ignore the claims the likely favourite Gold Medallist brings to the party.

A Group Two winner on the level, he has taken to jumping with a rare vigour and is regarded by Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson as their best chance of the meeting.

Royal Paradise has had an almost blemish-free season as well, and there will be an almighty cheer if he can follow up in the 1994 footsteps of Danoli. However, his best form looks to be on ground a bit softer than he is likely to get today.

Like-A-Butterfly is the sole Irish runner in a rather moderate looking SunAlliance Chase where, L'Ami represents France. Like-A-Butterfly hasn't been impressing at home while L'Ami's best form all looks to be on softer going.

Trabolgan has the best form, but comes from the Nicky Henderson yard which has been completely out of form.

Comply Or Die is a double course winner, and although he fell behind Cornish Pride at Newbury last time, he may be a more reliable proposition than Best Mate's brother up the hill.

Ilnamar, the runaway Coral Cup winner in 2002, is back for another crack at the race and off a mark only 2lb higher. Course form is a big factor here always, and the Pipe horse is a definite each way option.

An even bigger price chance, however, can be given to Jack Dawson, whose best form would see him in here with an each way squeak.

The Kim Muir for amateur riders includes the Irish hopes Oh Be The Hokey and Pearly Jack. The trip might be an issue for both, and a token choice is the lowly-weighted Smile Pleeze.