*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Energumene faces six rivals including last year’s Arkle hero, Edwardstone, in his bid to land back-to-back renewals of the Champion Chase.
The leading pair were beaten by Editeur Du Gite in January’s rescheduled Clarence House Chase and Gary Moore’s stable lines up in Wednesday’s Cheltenham Festival feature at 15:30.
Funambule Sivola finished second in last year’s race and is back for another crack, 2021 runner-up Nube Negra takes his chance, while Captain Guinness and Greaneteen complete the small-but-select field.
Champion Chase odds can be found on the Paddy Power website, Paddy Power app or via our snazzy betting widgets, otherwise Timeform’s horse-by-horse guide to the runners and betting tips from the racing boffins are below.
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Champion Chase tips
Timeform: Potentially the race of the week featuring the 1-2-3 from the rearranged Clarence House Chase here in January, EDWARDSTONE getting the verdict to emerge on top this time and master reigning champion Energumene, who posted his first ever below-par effort when 6½ lengths back in third. Editeur du Gite was ridden to perfection that day and Gary Moore’s bold-jumping front runner may have to settle for bronze on this occasion, in what promises to be a tactically-intriguing affair.
Champion Chase runners
Captain Guinness
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead Jockey: Rachael Blackmore Age: 8 Weight: 11st 10lbs
Landed his first success at Grade 2 level in Fortria Chase at Navan on return in November and creditable effort when runner-up in Grade 1 Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase over Christmas. That was further evidence that he’s vulnerable at this level, however.
**
Editeur Du Gite
Trainer: Gary Moore Jockey: Niall Houlihan Age: 9 Weight: 11st 10lbs
Dual winner at this venue last term but has cranked it up another notch this season, landing the Desert Orchid at Kempton and ridden to perfection when accounting for both Edwardstone and Energumene in Clarence House in January. Sure to give it a good go from the front.
***
Edwardstone
Trainer: Alan King Jockey: Tom Cannon Age: 9 Weight: 11st 10lbs
A thoroughly likeable sort who won 5 in a row last season (including Arkle). Displayed top-class form when commanding winner of Tingle Creek on return and back on song after rare jumping blip when runner-up to Editeur du Gite in Clarence House in January. Bold bid anticipated.
*****
Energumene
Trainer: W. P. Mullins Jockey: P. Townend Age: 9 Weight: 11st 10lbs
Top-class chaser who has tasted defeat only twice in his career over fences, both in the Clarence House (latest when staged at this venue in January). That was a first below-par effort, and having been an authoritative winner of this contest last season, he holds major claims once again.
****
Funambule Sivola
Trainer: Venetia Williams Jockey: Charlie Deutsch Age: 8 Weight: 11st 10lbs
Progressed well in open company last season, finishing runner-up to Energumene in this corresponding event. Bounced back to form to take Game Spirit for second year running at Newbury last month but will need to crank things up again if he’s to get involved in this year’s renewal.
**
Greaneteen
Trainer: Paul Nicholls Jockey: Harry Cobden Age: 9 Weight: 11st 10lbs
Fourth in this race back in 2021 and developed into a top-class chaser soon after, winning a trio of Grade 1 contests. Haldon Gold Cup scorer on reappearance but unable to live with Edwardstone in Tingle Creek and wasted a golden opportunity when third to Funambule Sivola in Game Spirit since.
***
Nube Negra
Trainer: Dan Skelton Jockey: Harry Skelton Age: 9 Weight: 11st 10lbs
Hasn’t stood much racing in recent times but arguably unlucky not to win this in 2021. Completed a simple task without alarm when Grade 2 winner on return here in November but below his best when runner-up to Editeur du Gite in Desert Orchid at Kempton over Christmas. Freshened up since.
***
Cheltenham Tips
- Our ultimate Cheltenham Cheat Sheet for all seven races on day two
- Ruby Walsh’s Cheltenham Cheat Sheet for day two of the Festival
- Former jockey Mick Fitzgerald’s best Cheltenham tips for day two of the meeting
- ITV Racing pundit Matt Chapman’s Cheltenham tips for day two of the Festival
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