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Cheltenham Champion Chase Tips: Expert Picks for the Queen Mother Showpiece

Looking for the best betting angles for the Queen Mother Champion Chase? Our racing experts have analyzed the field and selected their top picks for one of the standout races at the Cheltenham Festival.

Whether you’re searching for a potential winner or strong each-way value, these selections can help shape your betslip. You can also access the latest odds and race updates through the Betway app, available on both the Play Store and the App Store.

Champion Chase Tips and Predictions

Last year’s race was set to feature Marine Nationale, but the defending champion was withdrawn shortly before the race after suffering a minor setback at home.

With that absence reshaping the field, 10 runners were declared for the Champion Chase, with Majborough entering the contest as the headline act following an impressive victory at Leopardstown Racecourse last month.

Majborough may be the standout performer on recent form, but history suggests caution when backing short-priced favorites in this race. Odds-on runners have won only three of the last 12 editions this century, which could make it worthwhile looking elsewhere for value.

Two horses who could challenge the favorite stand out.

Selection: Il Etait Temps @ 5/1

One of the most eye-catching performances in the two-mile chasing division this season came from Il Etait Temps in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown Park Racecourse in December.

That day he surged clear by nine lengths ahead of Jonbon, with L'eau Du Sud finishing a further nine lengths behind in third.

The victory marked his fifth consecutive win, continuing a strong sequence of performances stretching back to the Arkle Challenge Trophy at Cheltenham in 2024.

Critics often point to his 0-3 record at the Festival, but the context tells a different story. He finished fifth in the 2023 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle when Marine Nationale prevailed and also placed fifth in Triumph Hurdle the year before.

His fall in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot Racecourse in January can arguably be overlooked. The run came during a quieter spell for trainer Willie Mullins’ yard, and the horse never seemed entirely comfortable that day.

If that performance is forgiven, Il Etait Temps has the ability to push the market leaders much closer than the odds suggest.

Selection: L’eau Du Sud @ 9/2

Another standout effort this season came from L’eau Du Sud, whose performance in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham in November was nothing short of emphatic.

Returning from a break, he powered home 15 lengths clear of Jonbon, showcasing his ability around this track.

At that point he had compiled a 4-6 record over fences, and he also produced a strong run when finishing just a length and a half behind the winner in last season’s Arkle at Cheltenham.

While the Tingle Creek did not go according to plan, he has been kept fresh since then — a strategy that has often brought out the best in him.

His Cheltenham record is also encouraging. He finished second in the 2024 County Hurdle at the course and has won two of his three chase starts either side of that Arkle effort.

With drying ground expected to suit, the Dan Skelton yard appears to have targeted this race carefully. Should the leading Irish contenders fail to produce clean jumping performances, L’eau Du Sud has the consistency and fencing ability to capitalize.

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