Champion Chase Antepost Tips: A Deep Dive with Rory Delargy
Table of Contents
- 1. Champion Chase Antepost Tips: A Deep Dive with Rory Delargy
- 2. Jonbon: A Rock-Solid Favorite
- 3. Matata: An Exciting Outside Bet
- 4. A Thrilling Race
- 5. Champion Chase Antepost Tips: Rory Delargy’s Selections
- 6. Rory Delargy’s Champion Chase Antepost Tips:
- 7. What are Rory DelargyS thoughts on Shishkin’s chances in the Champion Chase?
The Cheltenham Festival is just around the corner, and anticipation is reaching fever pitch. This year, the Champion Chase is shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle, with a number of strong contenders vying for the title. Joining the discussion on Paddy Power Media’s ‘From The Horse’s Mouth’ podcast, renowned journalist and broadcaster Rory Delargy offers his expert insights into the race, revealing his top picks and analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each contender.
Jonbon: A Rock-Solid Favorite
According to Delargy, Jonbon is the clear favorite, a “[rock-solid favourite]” backed by a formidable record.While acknowledging that Jonbon wasn’t at his best in last year’s Clarence House Chase, Delargy points out that the horse’s overall performance has been consistently remarkable, rarely finishing outside the top two. “He’s a very hard horse to have a dig at,” he asserts, citing Jonbon’s perfect record when ridden by Nico de Boinville.
Delargy acknowledges that some might criticize Jonbon’s jumping in the Clarence House, or point to races where he didn’t demonstrate his full potential, but ultimately, underscores the horse’s winning mentality: ”The bottom line is he gets the job done far more frequently enough than he doesn’t and he deserves to be favourite.”
Matata: An Exciting Outside Bet
While recognizing Jonbon’s dominance,Delargy sees value in backing outsider Matata at longer odds. “I’ve backed a couple at 50s,” he shares,highlighting Matata as one of his selections. This suggests a belief in Matata’s ability to overcome the odds and possibly even challenge Jonbon for the top spot.
A Thrilling Race
Delargy concludes by noting that the Champion Chase is shaping up to be a captivating race with a dozen or so contenders who could realistically claim a place. With Jonbon leading the pack but intriguing outsiders like Matata lurking, the 2025 champion Chase promises to be a highly competitive and memorable event.
Champion Chase Antepost Tips: Rory Delargy’s Selections
the Cheltenham Festival is around the corner, and the Champion Chase is always a hotly contested race. Rory Delargy, a respected voice in the horse racing world, has analyzed the field and shared his expert antepost tips.
While Jonbon boasts strong credentials,Delargy believes he offers limited value as an antepost bet,suggesting a better chance to wager on him closer to the race day when his soundness and form are confirmed.
“Jonbon has very strong credentials, but he doesn’t make an awful lot of appeal as an ante post bet as you’re going to get a bigger price when you know he’s sound and has turned up on the day,” Delargy stated.
Delargy also considers Matata, emphasizing his preference for dominating races.However, his main selection for an each-way bet is Found A Fifty, a horse with top-notch form from previous seasons.
“Matata is probably best when dominating so I’ll throw Found A Fifty in there as my each-way poke,” Delargy advises.
Found A Fifty, currently available at 25-1, has faced some challenges, including a nasal discharge that sidelined him in a recent race. Delargy acknowledges these setbacks but remains confident in the horse’s potential.
“He’s 25s but I nabbed a bit of 50 about him after he was beaten at Leopardstown.He came back with a nasal discharge so you can put a line through that run.His form from the Dublin Racing Festival,Cheltenham and Aintree last year was top notch for a novice,” Delargy explains.
To be a major contender in the Champion Chase, Found A Fifty requires a step up in performance. But Delargy sees enough potential to warrant a gamble.
Rory Delargy’s Champion Chase Antepost Tips:
Jonbon
Matata (each-way)
Found A Fifty (each-way)
*Odds quoted on the widget are future Racing / antepost prices which means that if your selection does not run in the race for whatever reason – you will lose your stake under traditional Antepost rules.
What are Rory DelargyS thoughts on Shishkin’s chances in the Champion Chase?
Archyde Exclusive Interview: Champion Chase Preview with Rory Delargy
Archyde: Welcome everyone to another thrilling Cheltenham preview! today, we have renowned journalist and broadcaster, rory Delargy, joining us to share his insights into the much-anticipated Champion Chase at this year’s festival. Welcome, rory!
Rory Delargy: Thanks for having me. I’m really looking forward to discussing this fascinating race.
Archyde: Let’s dive right in. Jonbon is the clear favorite, as you’ve pointed out. Despite some critics raising concerns about his performance in last year’s Clarence House, you maintain he’s a “rock-solid favorite”. Can you elaborate on why you’re so confident in Jonbon?
Rory: Absolutely. Jonbon’s record speaks for itself. He’s won 13 of his 16 starts, including nine at Grade 1 level, and he’s never finished outside the top two. That consistency is remarkable. Now, yes, he didn’t quite show his best in the clarence House, but remember, that was a prep run for Cheltenham.His overall performance has been incredibly solid.
Archyde: Some critics have pointed out issues with Jonbon’s jumping in that race. How much weight do you give to that criticism?
Rory: Look, if you’re nitpicking, you can find faults in any horse. But the bottom line is, Jonbon gets the job done more often than not. He’s won multiple times at Cheltenham, and his record with Nico de Boinville in the saddle is perfect. So while I acknowledge those criticisms, they’re not significant enough to shake my confidence in Jonbon.
Archyde: Interesting. Now, you’ve also highlighted Matata as an exciting outside bet.Can you tell us more about why you’re keen on him?
Rory: Sure. matata’s been impressive this season, especially in the Arkle.He’s a tough, gutsy horse with a great record over fences. He might not have the same Grade 1 experience as some of the other contenders,but he’s proven himself at the highest level against good opposition. His price offers real value,especially considering the nature of the race.
Archyde: You mean, in terms of the likely pace scenario?
Rory: Exactly. If the race pans out with a strong gallop, horses like Matata who stay on well could come into play. He’s won three times at Cheltenham already, so we certainly know he goes well there. If he gets a clear round,he’s got a solid each-way chance at a bigger price.
Archyde: That’s certainly food for thought.Rory, wich other contenders do you have your eye on, and why?
Rory: Well, I think Energumene is always hazardous. He’s got plenty of speed and won a Champion Chase trial already. His record isn’t quite as consistent as Jonbon’s, but he’s got enough talent to take a hand. As for Shishkin, he’s clearly got the ability, but we need to see him recapture his best form over fences. if he does, he’s obviously in the mix too.
Archyde: Thank you, Rory. As always, it’s been an insightful conversation. We’re looking forward to seeing how the Champion Chase pans out!
Rory: My pleasure. Thanks for having me. let’s hope for a thrilling race!