Date: Wednesday 12th March 2025
The Champion Chase remains one of the trickiest championship races to treat as a banker race, even when the division appears to have a standout horse. Speed, rhythm and accurate jumping matter so much here that one mistake can change everything.
The strongest long-term angles remain proven specialist form at two miles, enough experience at the trip and previous Cheltenham credentials. Irish-trained runners now dominate the race and that is again a major factor in this year’s ratings.
These are the three that come out strongest on the Turf Talk figures.
TURF TALK RATINGS - LEADING CONTENDERS
| Horse | Turf Talk Rating |
|---|---|
| Marine Nationale | 221 |
| Jonbon | 216 |
| Gaelic Warrior | 203 |
| Energumene | 191 |
| Edwardstone | 182 |
| Captain Guinness | 174 |
| Found A Fifty | 167 |
The ratings again lean heavily on proven two-mile chase form, sufficient chasing experience, current-season fitness and the now very strong Irish training angle. This remains a race where specialists nearly always come out on top.
MAIN SELECTION
Marine Nationale (11/2 available)
He comes out top on the ratings and looks to have the right profile for this year’s race.
He has the specialist speed, enough experience and the right age to fit the strongest Champion Chase trends. He also appeals as the type who could improve again in a race where the big names have occasionally been vulnerable.
BACKUP SELECTION 1
Jonbon (2/1 available)
The obvious danger on pure ability and one that many will expect to win.
He has the class and the specialist profile, but this race has a long history of punishing short-priced horses if anything goes wrong. He is clearly the one to fear most, but the market gives little room for error.
BACKUP SELECTION 2
Gaelic Warrior (6/1 available)
An interesting alternative with plenty of natural talent.
He has the stable, the class and enough speed to make him dangerous if everything falls right, although he is slightly less proven than the top two as a pure Champion Chase type. He still merits a place on the shortlist.
SUMMARY
Marine Nationale tops the ratings and gets the vote, with Jonbon the obvious danger and Gaelic Warrior the more interesting alternative in a race where specialist two-mile chasing experience remains absolutely essential.
