The Southern National is the feature race of Sunday away from Cheltenham, the 3m4f marathon handicap chase taking place over more than two circuits of the figure-of-eight course. We run through all of the key information, including the runners, odds and our verdict, for the race below.
2025 Southern National Racecard
Two horses who are bang in-form arriving for this race are Ivane and Shantou Lucky, both of whom have improved significantly since joining James Owen. The latter defeated the former last time out due to better jumping, though both step up to a higher grade here, exemplified by defending champion Unanswered Prayers being in the line-up. The nine-year-old will be the top-weight once again, while Deep Purple could be an intriguing contender for Dan Skelton, boasting a consistent profile, and Ken Roy won on his chasing debut for Paul Nicholls.
14:05 Fontwell
Good To SoftBetGoodwin Southern National Handicap Chase (GBB Race)
- 3m 3f 149y
- Class 3
- 11 runners
- Win time: 7m 36s
6/1 (Won)
- Win: £7.20
- Place: £2.90
14/1
- Place: £4.50
18/1
- Place: £3.40
8/1
13/2
14/1
15/2
9/2
20/1
7/2F
12/1
Non-runners
Gold Clermont
+o+e Betting Returns
| Payout | |
|---|---|
| Exacta | £118.00 |
| Straight Forecast | £86.84 |
| Tricast | £1448.57 |
| Trifecta | £2412.30 |
Selections
Telegraph:
Shantou LuckyThe Sun:
Gold ClermontSPOTLIGHT:
Unanswered PrayersPOSTDATA:
Born At MidnightSouthern National Tips – GG Expert’s Verdict
SHANTOU LUCKY is preferred of the in-form Owen pair and is fancied to land this prize, while the main danger could be Ken Roy for Paul Nicholls, as he looks to build on a win last time out. Unanswered Prayers is one that should relish this test of stamina and last year’s winner can claim third place in what should be a cracking renewal.
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