We have the pace guide, Timeform view, Daryl Jacob insight, plus key video replays for the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase on day two of the Cheltenham Festival.
Timeform Verdict
If MAJBOROUGH can avoid mistakes again and is in anything like the same form as when routing a couple of these at the Dublin Racing Festival he'll be extremely hard to beat. Assuming Il Etait Temps has suffered no ill effects from his fall in the Clarence House he's clear-second best as his two defeats of Jonbon at Sandown last year represent top-class form. Shloer winner L'Eau du Sud, who has been freshened up since the Tingle Creek, can take third.
Daryl Jacob Insight
There's a healthy field of 10 for the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase, but realistically three or four have very little chance and you can boil it down further to the clear best horse in the race: MAJBOROUGH.
If he can get towards the front and get in a rhythm and dominate, without getting pestered, he should win, certainly if he's in the same form as he was at the Dublin Racing Festival where he jumped very well in the first-time cheekpieces.
The worry is he doesn't jump as well and the second last on good ground at Cheltenham comes up very quickly, very different to Leopardstown, which is a big galloping track where you have time to get into your rhythm.
That could be a negative, as I don't think he's very quick at lifting his shoulders, but there's no doubt the talent is there and that should shine through here.
The market says the main danger is L'Eau du Sud but I think it's Henry de Bromhead's Quilixios. I know he's been off for a year but he was running a fine race in this last year when coming down at the last and he will have done loads of work at home.
He looks the each-way bet with the 10 runners, but I can't go against Majborough. He's the best horse in the race and it's his to lose.
Timeform Pace Guide
Pace Forecast: Strong
Specific Pace Hint: There seems sure to be widespread support for MAJBOROUGH (FR) who should be immune to race tactics.
Individual Price Hint: MAJBOROUGH (FR) has plenty in his favour but has been beaten 3 times when trading at odds on in-running.
Free Video Replays
MAJBOROUGH - Leopardstown 01/02/2026
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L'EAU DU SUD - Cheltenham 14/11/2025
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Discover Sporting Life Plus BenefitsIL ETAIT TEMPS - Sandown 06/12/2025
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Cheltenham Festival coverage
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