The first of the festival’s big field races is the Ultima Handicap, with the 23 declared runners due at the post at 14.50.
Last year’s winner Corach Rambler goes in the Gold Cup on Friday, but there are others returning for another go this year.
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Among these are Monbeg Genius for Jonjo O’Neil and The Goffer from the Gordon Elliot yard.
These two were well beaten in this last year behind the winner and Fastorslow- another with a Gold Cup entry – but should not be overlooked in a race that could go any way.
Meetingofthewaters is Mullins’ leading chance at 5/1 having won a strong chase at Leopardstown late last year and is hard to dismiss.
Kim Bailey saddles Chianti Classico, another with a certain chance, and also enters Trelawne under Harry Cobden. The latter has particularly impressive form.
A big field means we must look at some of the outside chances and there are several that appeal.
The aforementioned Monbeg Genius is of interest at 11/1, and the de Bromhead stable enters Eklat De Rire, another potential surprise at a big price of 18/1.
Gordon Elliot enters Run Wild Fred although we’d recommend this one as strictly for the each way punters at 18/1, and also fields Minella Crooner who could be worth a punt although is difficult to get right.
Not an easy race to call, but we would go with Chianti Classico in this case.
Selection: Chianti Classico
Day 1 Cheltenham featured races quick links:
- 13:30 Supreme Novices Hurdle Tips
- 14:10 Arkle Challenge Trophy Tips
- 14:50 Ultima Handicap Tips
- 15:30 Champion Hurdle Tips
- 16:10 Mares Hurdle Tips
- 16:50 Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Tips
- 17:30 National Hunt Chase
Previous Update:
As a 9-year-old, Corach Rambler was a popular choice, starting as a 6/1 joint-favorite and ultimately securing the win.
The lineup for this year’s race is yet to be announced. However, as the 2024 Cheltenham Festival approaches, keep an eye out for our expert racing predictions for the Ultima Handicap Chase.
Ultima Handicap Chase Betting Tips – Hidden Gems
In horse racing, there’s a special thrill in witnessing an underdog triumph, particularly in a prestigious race like the Ultima Handicap Chase.
Our betting experts will closely examine the less-favored entrants in our preview of the Ultima Handicap Chase, recognizing that every horse has potential. Historical trends at Cheltenham Festival have repeatedly shown that often-neglected outsiders can make a surprising charge to the front.
Reflecting on the 2023 Ultima Handicap Chase, Corach Rambler’s win marked the fifth time in a decade that a horse won this event with single-figure odds. Notably, Lucinda Russell’s charge also became the fourth horse ever to win this race twice, having previously triumphed in 2022.
This outstanding achievement in the Grade 3 contest sets a high bar, and our tipsters will scrutinize this year’s contenders to spot any potential dark horses in the Ultima Handicap Chase odds.
Ultima Handicap Jockey and Trainer Records
In the history of the Festival Handicap Chase, two jockeys stand out with the highest number of victories: Robert Thornton and Tom Scudamore, each securing three wins. Notably, Scudamore achieved consecutive victories on Un Temps Pour Tout in 2016 and 2017. Remarkably, no horse has claimed the Ultima title more than twice.
Turning to the trainers, Fred Rimell and Fulke Walwyn have each won the race four times, a record that has stood since before the 21st century. More recently, in the past two decades, Jonjo O’Neill and David Pipe have each trained three winners of this event.
Ultima Handicap Trends
The significance of prior success at Cheltenham is evident in the Ultima Handicap Chase, with six of the last seven winners having previously secured a victory at the course. The exception in this trend was Vintage Clouds, who had achieved a runner-up position in the same race.
Novices and second season chasers often perform well in this race, potentially due to being less exposed in terms of handicapping compared to their more seasoned competitors.
A notable achievement in the race’s history was Un Temps Pour Tout’s victory in 2017, who was the first horse to win carrying top weight since Unguided Missile in 1998.
The last time an Irish-trained horse won the race was back in 2006, with Dun Doire trained by Tony Martin.
Interestingly, only four favorites have managed to win the race since 1977, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the event.