A competitive field of 10 have been declared to line-up in the coveted Queen Mother Champion Chase.
Majborough spearheads the Champion Chase runners. His connections will be raring to avenge his Arkle defeat last season. He was sent off the short-priced favourite, but two lacklustre jumps late on dropped him out of contention. Jumping frailties continued this term, until equipped with first time cheek-pieces when bolting up in the Grade 1 Dublin Chase.
L’Eau du Sud out to repeat Shloer Chase success
L’Eau du Sud was three-quarters-of-a-length behind Majborough in the Arkle, and has been kept fresh for this Champion Chase bid. He recorded a career best RPR of 170 when bolting up 15 lengths in the Shloer Chase on seasonal debut. It was a remarkable jumping performance with Jonbon trailing behind in second, whose subsequent form reads 211. He wasn’t at the same level next time out, but the consensus is he’ll strip better now after a break.
Il Etait Temps out to break Cheltenham duck
The Willie Mullins-trained Il Etait Temps is yet to win at Cheltenham, but is in career best form of late. With form figures of 553 at the festival, there is the suggestion that Cheltenham fails to bring out the best in him. However, since the Arkle, his form figures read 11111F. The sole blip came when falling in the Clarence House last time out when never looking comfortable throughout. If bouncing back to his best form, he can be a major player.
Irish Panther thrown in the deep end
Eddie & Patrick Harty are aiming big with Irish Panther, who skipped the novice option of the Arkle on Tuesday. The Lucarno gelding has struggled to get over the line throughout his career, but fences has seemingly transformed him. He put in a career best when an eight-length winner on chase debut, with the second going in twice since. He backed that up when second to Romeo Coolio, and that form makes him a worthy contender.
Quilixios out to avenge final flight fall
Quilixios was last seen when falling in this contest last season, but will have no concerns returning first time up. His form when fresh reads 1112231814, including one off a 610-day layoff.
Brookie, Found A Fifty, Liberty Hunter and Saint Segal add further intrigue to the field, alongside the 2024 winner Captain Guinness.