Jonbon isn't totally bombproof given the setting and the recent record of favourites in this contest but he otherwise holds leading claims and would be a worthy winner, having been so prolific and largely dependable in the 2m chase division. The most persuasive alternative is MARINE NATIONALE who is peaking at the right time, should have the ideal tactical set-up and landed the 2023 Supreme in his only appearance at Cheltenham. Solness may not be allowed his own way up front on this occasion but he ties in with the selection and is respected on the back of two Grade 1 wins. The 11yo Energumene will defy the stats if he lands a third Champion Chase, as only three horses older than ten have won this prize since its inception in 1959.[Steve Boow]
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Has performed well in both Champion Chase attempts but proved no match for Energumene in 2023 and looked a fortuitous winner last year when the race fell apart (Jonbon was withdrawn and odds-on El Fabiolo failed to complete); his recent form adds doubt, having been well held in Leopardstown contests won by Solness the last twice.
Major force in this division in his prime and recorded emphatic wins in this contest in 2022 (albeit with the race falling apart) and 2023, both on soft; successful in Cork Grade 2 and second to Jonbon in Ascot Grade 1 since returning from lengthy layoff, doing enough to put him in calculations in this third Champion Chase attempt; sets the standard on peak figures, but whether he's capable of reproducing them at the age of 11 is open to doubt.
Sometimes jumps right; probably best to forgive his rare blip last time, as he was found to have a slight bilateral nasal discharge after the race; chase record otherwise reads 12122111, beating Solness by a neck in Navan Grade 2 the final occasion; respectable second in the Arkle at this meeting last year and was a dual Grade 1 scorer during that novice campaign; likely to bounce back and perform well.
Acts on any ground; withdrawn from this contest 12 months ago when his stable was under a big cloud; has become a powerhouse in this division and readily beat Energumene in the Clarence House at Ascot most recently, registering an eighth Grade 1 success over fences; has met his only defeats at Cheltenham, including twice at the Festival (admittedly a creditable second both times), and two Shloer wins over C&D do not feature among his best figures; furthermore, favourites have a notoriously bad record (only three wins and several dismal flops) in this race in the last decade; those doubts aside, he's better than ever judged on last two performances and the clear pick on current form.
Has form figures of 112312 in completed chase starts and 121 (three handicaps) at Cheltenham; good second in the Grand Annual on this card 12 months ago and filled the same position in the Game Spirit at Newbury most recently; progressive but has the lowest rating of the field.
Unraced on heavy, acts on any other ground; unbeaten spell featured a ready success in the Supreme at this meeting two years ago when given a superb ride by the late and greatly missed Michael O'Sullivan; 0-4 since successful debut over fences but ran very well (produced a career-best RPR) in the Dublin Chase at Leopardstown most recently, emerging from the chasing pack to finish only 2l behind Solness and pull clear of the remainder; peaking at the right time and, with a fast pace likely, the cards could drop perfectly on this return to Cheltenham; respected, with further progress very plausible.
Landed the Triumph Hurdle here in 2021; still seeking a first Grade 1 success over fences and form dipped in the Dublin Chase most recently, failing by a long way to confirm Naas November placings with Marine Nationale; ran well but was no match for Jonbon in the Tingle Creek in between; not the percentage call.
Looked a notch or two below championship standard for most of his career; however, he's taken his form to a completely new level with front-running Grade 1 wins at Leopardstown (yielding/good to yielding) the last twice, both times establishing a clear lead at various points and not for catching; stuck on gamely to beat Marine Nationale by 2l latest, confirming his sudden emergence as a realistic Champion Chase contender; possibilities, provided he's able to dominate in the same manner.
1/5 Odds Place 1,2,3
( Pool guide displayed could change before the race starts & should be used as a guide only )
