(3.5 minutes read)
With the recent withdrawal of reigning champion Marine Nationale, the betting market for The Champion Chase has significantly changed complexion.
Last year’s third, Majborough is consequently a warm order at the head of the betting but faces interesting opposition from Tingle Creek winner Il Etait Temps and the British challenger trained by Dan Skelton, L’Eau Du Sud.
We check out the front runners and each way chances. Best Cheltenham Festival bets provided by our partner firms Bet365, William Hill, Betfred, Bet Victor and Boylesports.
NRNB (Non-Runner No Bet)
We are pleased to announce that all of our partner firms are now offering NRNB (Non-Runner No Bet) for all Cheltenham Festival 2026 races. This means that any bets placed on horses running in The Cheltenham Festival will be refunded if the horse fails to take their place in the race for whatever reason.
The Big Players
Majborough
The JP McManus owned runaway Dublin Chase winner clearly comes into this with the feeling that he is completely on top of his game. He made Marine Nationale look very ordinary indeed in that the Dublin race, jumping effectively and staying on impressively all the way to the line.
But the jumping overall is a significant concern. The errors are prone with this horse, and the Champion Chase will be unforgiving if he makes the kind of mistakes he made in last year’s Arkle which subsequently cost him the race.
Having said that, if Majborough gets round unscathed, he wins. 5/6 best odds with William Hill for those who can keep the faith.
L’Eau Du Sud
This lightly raced eight-year-old is almost the definition of Cheltenham horse having registered two wins and a runner-up. He absolutely loves this track and performs on all types of going so should not be inconvenienced by faster ground which looks likely with the lack of rain the in the next few days at Cheltenham.
However, it remains to be seen whether he has the class to keep tabs with an efficient jumping performance from Majborough. The Skelton horse is 4/1 best with William Hill.
Il Etait Temps
The Willie Mullins grey has been in cracking form this season, landing a competitive Tingle Creek in fine style, walloping Jonbon and L’Eau Du Sud in the process and ran ok when coming to grief in his latest start at Ascot last month.
His major concern however is his Cheltenham CV which does not read well, with a 13 length third being his only notable success, from the 2024 Arkle. Cheltenham does not seem to be his hunting ground and based on that needs to be ruled out on this occasion, especially as his odds (9/2 Bet365, William Hill, Betfred and Boylesports) surely do not represent his Cheltenham potential.
Quilixios
The Henry De Bromhead charge seems to be the forgotten horse and as mentioned in our dark horses piece it is easy to forget that he arguably would have finished second to Marine Nationale in last year’s renewal.
This former Triumph Hurdle winner has not run this season, so this adds a touch of the unexposed about him. There will no doubt be some each way interest although 8/1 best (William Hill) does not represent sensational each way value for a horse without a run this season.
Jonbon
The Nicky Henderson trained legend is showing no signs of old age and continues to be involved at the business end of every race, be it 2 miles or extended distances.
The outcome of last year’s renewal of the Champion Chase is also open to plenty of speculation as Jonbon made an absolute howler of one fence, an error which would have put to bed the chances of most horses.
However, he miraculously regained ground to finish second to Marine Nationale. There is the possibility of him defecting to the Ryanair, especially if Fact To File opts for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. In fact he may even bypass Cheltenham altogether.
Nevertheless, the 10/1 NRNB available with Bet365, Betfred, Bet Victor and Boylesports leaves a tempting each way option.
Summary
Similar to the Champion Hurdle in that there are plenty of question marks surrounding these 2 milers. Majborough’s jumping leaves much to be desired, Il Etait Temps is not a fan of the course and distance, whilst L’Eau Du Sud’s ability at this level is still with the jury despite his love for the track. Therefore, I see no harm with chancing on the NRNB option and taking Jonbon for the each way action.
SELECTION: JONBON EACH WAY, 1O/1 NRNB Bet365, Betfred, Bet Victor and Boylesports
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