Daryl Jacob offers his insight on the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham on Wednesday, while we have the Timeform predicted pace map and free video replays too.
BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase - 4.00 Cheltenham
Click here for full racecard & free video form
Jonbon will be a short-priced favourite to see off seven rivals in Wednesday's Champion Chase. Nicky Henderson's nine-year-old has suffered just three defeats in his 20-race career, two of those coming at the Cheltenham Festival behind Constitution Hill and El Fabiolo, but he looks an improved model this season and was better than ever when beating Energumene at Ascot last time. Willie Mullins' horse attempts to reverse those placings and he is amongst a strong Irish challenge that also includes Solness, Marine Nationale and last year's winner Captain Guinness.
Daryl Jacob Insight
Eight line up for the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase and it’s a fascinating race.
Tactically, you would think Solness will go forward and I imagine Energumene and Quilixios won’t be far away, with JONBON sitting about fourth. Nico de Boinville likes to ride him down the middle so I imagine he’ll be in the box seat, with Marine Nationale dropped in behind Jonbon. The likes of Captain Guinness and Libberty Hunter will likely be held up.
A strong pace looks in store. I can see this race taking shape when they come down the hill. When they jump the final ditch up the far side they will be taking a breather before freewheeling down to the third last. It will develop from there, a crucial point in the race, the second last a vital fence as it comes at you very quick after the bend.
I would imagine Nico will take up the lead going to the last and Jonbon, who still has his quirks, will probably have a look, the crowd, the roar, but he can pop it nicely and get the job done.
This horse hasn’t got a Cheltenham Festival win to his name as yet, but he’s been the best two-mile chaser around this season and he can prove it here. Marine Nationale can stay on for second and Solness can hang on for third.
Energumene is respected on his best form, but the ground just looks a bit too lively for him to show that now at the age of 11.
Timeform Pace Map
Pace Forecast: Strong
Specific Pace Hint: However the race pans out shouldn’t bother JONBON who many will see as the one to concentrate on.
Individual Price Hint: JONBON makes a lot of appeal but has been beaten once before when trading at odds on in-running.
Free Video Replays
JONBON, ENERGUMENE - 1st, 2nd, Ascot, January 18 2025
Unlimited Replays
of all UK and Irish races with our Race Replays
Discover Sporting Life Plus Benefits
SOLNESS, MARINE NATIONALE, QUILIXIOS, CAPTAIN GUINNESS - 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, Leopardstown, February 2 2025
Unlimited Replays
of all UK and Irish races with our Race Replays
Discover Sporting Life Plus BenefitsLIBBERTY HUNTER - 2nd, Newbury, February 8 2025
Unlimited Replays
of all UK and Irish races with our Race Replays
Discover Sporting Life Plus BenefitsMore from Sporting Life
- Racecards
- Fast results
- Full results and free video replays
- Horse racing news
- Horse racing tips
- Horse racing features
- Download our free iOS and Android app
- Football and other sports tips
- Podcasts and video content
Safer gambling
We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.
If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.
Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.