Date: Wednesday 15th March 2023
The Champion Chase once again looks a race where the proven specialist should hold sway. This is not usually a place for experiments. You want a battle-hardened two-mile chaser with top-end speed, slick jumping and enough experience to cope with a frantic championship tempo.
Irish-trained horses are now firmly on top in this division and that remains a major angle. Add in previous course form and the shortlist becomes relatively tight.
These are the three that come out strongest on the Turf Talk ratings.
TURF TALK RATINGS - LEADING CONTENDERS
| Horse | Turf Talk Rating |
|---|---|
| Energumene | 228 |
| Edwardstone | 214 |
| Editeur Du Gite | 202 |
| Captain Guinness | 188 |
| Greaneteen | 179 |
| Nube Negra | 171 |
| Gentleman De Mee | 165 |
The ratings again focus on specialist two-mile chase form, chase experience, official class and whether the horse has already shown the speed and slick jumping required for this race. It remains one of the most specialist events of the Festival.
MAIN SELECTION
Energumene (6/4 available)
He comes out clear on the ratings and looks the right horse to retain his crown.
He has the specialist profile, the right age, the trainer trend and a very high level of recent form. He also comes here as an established Champion Chase horse, which is often a major positive in this division.
BACKUP SELECTION 1
Edwardstone (7/2 available)
The strongest British challenger and one who fits plenty of the right trends.
He has the Arkle route behind him, enough experience at two miles and a very smart level of form. If the main selection underperforms, he looks the horse most likely to take advantage.
BACKUP SELECTION 2
Editeur Du Gite (6/1 available)
A lively outsider with enough recent form to make the shortlist.
He is battle-hardened, arrives in form and has the right specialist profile for the race. He may not have quite the same class ceiling as the top two, but in a race where pace and jumping are everything he cannot be ignored.
SUMMARY
Energumene tops the ratings and is taken as the main selection, with Edwardstone the strongest danger and Editeur Du Gite the more interesting alternative in a race that still favours proven two-mile specialists.
