(3 minutes read)
It has taken a while for the JP McManus owned £500,000 valued full brother to Douvan to finally show his true talents. As a novice hurdler he was quirky, now as a mature 2-mile chaser, he has developed into a smart versatile and well-deserved favourite for this year’s renewal of the Champion Chase on Day 2 of Cheltenham Festival 2025.
And with the two Willie Mullins leviathans either out of the race (El Fabiolo) or struggling to find their form in their twilight years as is the case of Energumene, the Seven Barrows trained Jonbon will never have a better opportunity to claim this two miles chase championship.
We assess the chances of the key runners and check out best bets and top odds from our partner firms Bet365, William Hill, Bet Victor, Betfred and Boylesports.
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The Big Players
Jonbon
It has all been plain sailing for Jonbon since last April with five wins on the bounce including four Grade One triumphs. His jumping has remarkedly improved and Jonbon travels far more fluently than he did as a hurdler.
The only concern really is the Shloer Chase win over course and distance which witnessed him needing to work to achieve that victory against ordinary rivals.
However, in my opinion, the main danger to Jonbon winning a first Champion Chase was the threat of King George runner-up Il Est Francais setting a blistering pace and putting Jonbon out of his comfort zone.
That is now not the case with Il Est Francais almost certainly heading for the Ryanair Chase on Day 3. Barring falls or underperformance, this should be a seventh Nicky Henderson triumph in the Champion Chase. Best odds of 5/6 with Bet365.
Il Est Francais
Connections of this exciting French talent have affirmed their preference for The Ryanair Chase. Odds of 5/1 still available with Bet365, William Hill, Betfred and Boylesports.
Marine Nationale
The Supreme Novices winner from 2023 has not quite found his true feet as a chaser. However, he comes into this after a particularly satisfactory performance in the Ladbrokes Dublin Chase, staying on well behind eventual winner Solness.
He still needs to improve but may settle some each way interest at 6/1 with William Hill, Bet Victor, Betfred and Boylesports.
Solness
This Joseph O’Brien trained seven-year-old has progressed very effectively this season, having collared Marine Nationale and Gaelic Warrior in subsequent starts.
He is very much the surprise package of this division this season and if he improves further, he is the most likely of the field to give Jonbon connections some concerns. Best odds of 15/2 with Bet365.
Energumene
The Willie Mullins trained former Champion Chaser has found his return to racing a little challenging since his long layoff.
He was well beaten by Jonbon in The Clarence House Chase, finding nothing to match Jonbon’s turn of pace and considering he is now in his twilight years, it is difficult to imagine a resurgence in this renewal. Best odds of 7/1 with Bet365 and Bet Victor.
Gaelic Warrior
The Willie Mullins trained Arkle winner is dithering between this race and The Ryanair Chase.
He has an excellent each way opportunity if he can reproduce his customary toughness and resilience up the Cheltenham hill. Best odds of 6/1 with Betfred and Boylesports.
The Each Way Chances
In all honesty, the first three places are all likely to be filled by the afore mentioned horses. However, the conundrum of running in this race or extra test of stamina presented by the Ryanair provides some each way opportunity for the rest of the field.
Captain Guinness has to come into consideration after his win last year, although his performances this season are of deep concern. 33/1 with Bet365 and Bet Victor represents his chances, whilst Quilixios makes a little more appeal after his consistency this season and warrants the best value also at 33/1 with Bet Victor and Boylesports.
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