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Cheltenham Festival 2025: Ultima Handicap Chase Preview
2:40pm, Tuesday 11th March 2025
The Ultima Handicap Chase, set for 11th March 2025, is a prominent feature of the Cheltenham Festival.
This Grade 3 handicap chase, covering approximately 3 miles and 1 furlong, traditionally attracts a competitive field, offering punters a challenging yet rewarding betting opportunity.
Leading Contenders and Betting Odds
As the festival approaches, several horses have emerged as leading contenders for the Ultima Handicap Chase:
- The Changing Man – Trained by Joe Tizzard, this eight-year-old gelding has shown consistent form, including a recent victory in the Grade 2 Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase at Ascot. His current odds stand at 8/1, reflecting his strong credentials for this event.
- Broadway Boy – Under the guidance of Nigel Twiston-Davies, Broadway Boy has demonstrated notable performances this season. His course experience at Cheltenham adds to his appeal, with bookmakers offering odds of 8/1.
- Henry’s Friend – This eight-year-old, trained by Ben Pauling, has been on an upward trajectory, with recent performances highlighting his potential. He is currently priced at 12/1.
- Myretown – Representing Lucinda Russell’s stable, Myretown has shown promise in his recent outings. Punters can find him at odds of 20/1.
- Trelawne – Trained by Kim Bailey, Trelawne has been identified as a potential each-way bet, with odds currently at 25/1. His recent form and preparation suggest he could be a strong candidate.
Notable Absentees
The ante-post markets experienced a significant shift with the withdrawal of Iroko, who was initially a favourite for the Ultima. Owned by JP McManus, Iroko has been redirected to the Grand National, altering the dynamics of the race and impacting the betting landscape.
Race Trends and Insights
Historical analysis of the Ultima Handicap Chase reveals several key trends:
- Age: Seven out of the last ten winners were aged between six and eight, aligning with the profiles of The Changing Man and Broadway Boy.
- British-Trained Horses: British trainers have dominated this race, with the last Irish-trained winner dating back to 2006. This trend favours contenders like The Changing Man and Broadway Boy.
- Course Form: Previous experience at Cheltenham has proven advantageous, as six of the last seven winners had prior course victories. This bodes well for horses like Broadway Boy.
Trainer Insights
Certain trainers have established a notable record in the Ultima Handicap Chase:
- David Pipe: With three victories, Pipe’s entrants are always worthy of consideration.
- Nigel Twiston-Davies: Trainer of Broadway Boy, Twiston-Davies has a history of success at Cheltenham, enhancing the horse’s appeal.
Betting Considerations
Given the competitive nature of the Ultima Handicap Chase, punters might consider the following strategies:
- Each-Way Betting: With bookmakers often offering enhanced place terms, backing horses like Trelawne at 20/1 could provide value.
- Non-Runner No Bet (NRNB): Several bookmakers offer NRNB on this race, ensuring stakes are refunded if the selection does not run. This option provides added security amid potential withdrawals.
- Market Movements: Monitoring late market shifts can offer insights into stable confidence and horse wellbeing, crucial in the days leading up to the race.
Conclusion
The 2025 Ultima Handicap Chase promises to be a thrilling contest, with a blend of established favourites and emerging talents set to compete. As always, punters are advised to conduct thorough analysis and consider historical trends alongside current form when making their selections.
