Introduction
The Queen Mother Champion Chase took center stage with Jonbon delivering a commanding performance, firmly establishing himself as one of the leading forces in the two-mile chase division. Meanwhile, attention is already shifting to other emerging stars such as The New Lion and Final Demand, as expectations build ahead of their major engagements.
Jonbon’s Class Shines Through in the Champion Chase
A Career-Defining Performance
Jonbon, trained by Nicky Henderson, entered the race with an impressive record—17 wins from 20 runs—but still sought a defining Grade 1 win at Cheltenham. That box is now firmly ticked. Winning his 18th race from 21 starts, he silenced any remaining doubters and showcased the immense talent that many believed he had all along.
Ratings Advantage and Race Conditions
Our exclusive ratings placed Jonbon 9lbs clear of his nearest rival, the two-time Champion Chase winner Energumene. Despite concerns about Energumene’s form at 11 years of age, some believed soft ground could even the playing field. However, the showers didn’t materialize as expected, and the ground stayed suitable for Jonbon’s attacking style. He exploited this to the fullest, making the race look more like a Grade 2 than a top-tier contest.
Henderson’s Jewel in the Crown
Henderson was effusive in his post-race comments, acknowledging Jonbon’s dominance and the way he continues to mature with every outing. With the Champion Chase under his belt, Jonbon’s CV now sparkles with top-level triumphs.
Final Demand and The New Lion Head Turners Field
Final Demand’s Rising Star
Trained by Willie Mullins, Final Demand has been making waves and holds a 148p rating—the ‘p’ indicating potential for significant improvement. That improvement is essential, especially given the competition in the Turners’ Novices’ Chase. Final Demand’s performance in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown, where he stormed home 12 lengths clear in a fast-run contest, marks him as a top-tier talent.
The New Lion: Expectations and Pressure
After a stunning win at Newbury, The New Lion was snapped up by JP McManus, a move that brings both prestige and pressure. With a current rating of 143p, he’ll need to show he’s capable of further progress to challenge the likes of Final Demand and others in the Turners.
The presence of five other Mullins runners in the race complicates matters, creating a tactical maze that The New Lion must navigate successfully.
The Yellow Clay: A Serious Challenger
Perhaps the biggest threat to Final Demand is not The New Lion, but Gordon Elliott’s The Yellow Clay. With a rating just 2lbs shy of Final Demand, he remains firmly in contention. Elliott’s stable has a strong tradition of peaking at Cheltenham, and The Yellow Clay could very well fit that mold.
Potters Charm: The British Underdog
A Sneaky Contender
Potters Charm may not have the media buzz of his rivals, but at 14-1, he could prove a valuable each-way option. Our ratings place him close behind the main contenders, and with a clear run, he could spring a surprise in what’s shaping up to be one of the week’s most competitive races.
Coral Cup Spotlight: Be Aware Poised for Glory
Skelton’s Rising Star
The Coral Cup offers punters a different type of thrill, with Be Aware, trained by Dan Skelton, sitting atop our ratings. Following in the hoofprints of Langer Dan, who has won the last two editions, Be Aware seems ready to extend Skelton’s stronghold on this fiercely contested race.
Proven in Big Fields
Be Aware’s recent outings in high-quality handicaps have toughened him for this moment. His runner-up finish to Burdett Road in the Greatwood Hurdle showed his capability on this track under similar conditions. That experience could prove decisive.
The Bigger Picture: Cheltenham’s Shifting Landscape
Jonbon’s Win Sets the Standard
Jonbon’s dominance not only affirms his status but also redefines the benchmark for two-mile chasers. His performance puts added pressure on up-and-comers like The New Lion and Final Demand to rise to the occasion.
The Role of Ratings
Our performance ratings help identify the true class within each race. With notations like “p” for potential, they spotlight horses like Final Demand, The New Lion, and Be Aware who are on the cusp of major breakthroughs.
Looking Ahead
The Turners’ Novices’ Chase and Coral Cup promise to be thrilling contests with rising stars and seasoned contenders alike. Whether it’s Jonbon’s reign or the emergence of new talent, this Cheltenham Festival is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
Conclusion
Jonbon’s commanding Champion Chase victory was a clear message to the rest of the field—he is the horse to beat. Meanwhile, the Turners’ Novices’ Chase is wide open, with Final Demand leading the pack but facing fierce competition from The New Lion and The Yellow Clay. Be Aware could continue the Skelton legacy in the Coral Cup, bringing even more excitement to this star-studded Cheltenham Festival.
As always, careful attention to ratings and recent form will guide punters and fans through the highs and lows of the week. And if today is anything to go by, there’s plenty more drama and brilliance to come.
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