Date: Wednesday 11th March 2026
The Champion Chase remains one of the most specialised races of the whole Festival and once again looks likely to go to a horse with deep two-mile chase experience rather than a horse relying purely on reputation.
The strongest long-term trends still point towards proven specialists aged in the 7 to 9 range, with previous Cheltenham form and a proper recent prep also major positives. Favourites can still get turned over in this race, so it always pays to keep an open mind.
These are the three that come out strongest on the Turf Talk figures.
TURF TALK RATINGS - LEADING CONTENDERS
| Horse | Turf Talk Rating |
|---|---|
| Majborough | 228 |
| Il Etait Temps | 219 |
| L’Eau du Sud | 211 |
| Quilixios | 197 |
| Marine Nationale | 189 |
| Captain Guinness | 176 |
| Found A Fifty | 168 |
The ratings once again place huge emphasis on specialist two-mile chase form, enough racing experience over fences, Cheltenham credentials and whether the horse has already shown championship-level speed and jumping.
MAIN SELECTION
Majborough (4/5 available)
He comes out top on the ratings and has the strongest profile in the race on paper.
He has the class, the age and the Festival background, and his recent Dublin Chase performance suggested he had taken a big step forward as a two-mile chaser. If he jumps cleanly, he looks the one they all have to beat.
BACKUP SELECTION 1
Il Etait Temps (9/2 available)
A very strong alternative who fits many of the same specialist trends as the favourite.
He has the right age, plenty of class and comes from the stable that continues to dominate these major chases. If the favourite makes mistakes or fails to settle into rhythm, he looks the most likely one to capitalise.
BACKUP SELECTION 2
L’Eau du Sud (7/2 available)
The main British alternative and one who still makes plenty of appeal on the figures.
He has course-and-distance form and looks the type who can go very well when fresh, which is a plus here. He still has to prove himself right at the very top level, but enough of the key boxes are ticked to keep him on the shortlist.
SUMMARY
Majborough tops the ratings and gets the vote, with Il Etait Temps the biggest danger and L’Eau du Sud the strongest British alternative in a race where specialist two-mile chase form remains the key angle.
