The Betway Champion chase at 3.30 is the Cheltenham Festival's feature race on Wednesday and, as always, it is a top-quality field
Included in the Betway Champion Chase (3.30) field are the last three winners of the race along with exciting second-season chaser Un De Sceaux, who is representing the powerhouse combination of Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh.
Un De Sceaux is a warm favourite for this race at 4/5 and is our selection to provide Ireland with their first winner since 2011.
He comes into the race off the back of his win in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot and it is worth noting that the last two winners of that race went on to Cheltenham success.
He is also a previous winner at Cheltenham, having been an impressive winner of last season’s Arkle Chase.
He is now in his second season as a chaser and the trends suggest this is a big positive with 10 of the last 13 winners being second-season chasers.
Un De Sceaux has won every race which he has completed and if he gets a clear round on Wednesday he will take all the beating.
One of those horses who could pose a threat to the favourite is Sprinter Sacre, who is currently priced up at 9/2. He was the champion in 2013 and is one the modern greats of racing.
He won his last run at Kempton when beating Sire De Grugy (14/1). Only three quarters of a length split them that day and there might not be much between them again on Wednesday.
Sprinter Sacre does have to overcome a very disappointing display in this race last year, but there are reasons to thing he can do so.
He won at the track in November and looks to be a better horse than last year. Some of his problems from last year appear to be behind him.
One stat against both Sprinter Sacre and Sire De Grugy is the recent record of 10-year-olds. The last one to win was Moscow Flyer, back in 2005.
Last season’s winner Dodging Bullets is another who could have a chance.
Currently a 12/1 shot, he had a terrific season last season with three wins. He has had a more troubled preparation this season with only one run where he was below par.
He does, however, always improve for his first run and he could be the one who follows the favourite home.
Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase betting
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*Odds and amounts correct at time of publication but subject to change. See site for latest.
