Plate Handicap Chase Tips & Predictions
The fifth race on day three of the Cheltenham Festival is the Festival Plate Handicap Chase. It takes place over 2m4½f on the New Course at Prestbury Park, and it is open to five-year-olds and above.
A maximum of 24 runners will remain in this field at the final declaration stage and they will jump 17 fences.
Festival Plate Handicap Chase Betting Odds
Nicky Henderson is one of three trainers who have been successful four times in this contest, although his last victory was way back in 2006.
4.40pm – Plate Handicap Chase Tips (2m4½f)
The Plate Handicap Chase has a maximum of 24 runners, with 20 currently lined up to run at the time of writing (Of course, there is the chance that not every horse will run). That said, given the historic competitiveness of this race and the number of runners, this can be a tough one to call.
When considering a selection for this race, going back to review previous course form is important as it will give an indication of how each runner has faired in the past on a similar course and distance.
Jagwar currently leads the odds for the Plate Handicap Chase, which is no surprise given the form in chase races, having won 3 from 4. There is also the Cheltenham run back in January on the same course, which resulted in a win for Jagwar, giving an indication of how Jagwar performed on similar ground.
Despite a poor finish in the Cheltenham Trials Day back in January (10th of 11 runners), there are reasons to back Ginny's Destiny in the Plate Handicap Chase when looking at last season's performance. In that term, Ginny's Destiny had strong success at Cheltenham, recording 3 wins on courses that are similar in ground and distance, which could be the experience needed to beat Jagwar to the post.
With trainer Gavin Cromwell, The companysergeant is currently the second favourite and is set for a run out in the Plate Handicap Chase but could struggle if the 2024 results from the Autumn are anything to go by.
Plate Festival Chase Trends
- No current jockey has won this race more than once with eight jockeys currently holding one win.
- As for trainers, Venetia Williams and David Pipe have had three winners with Nicky Henderson the only other trainer with more than one.
- Ireland have had eight winners in the last ten years.
- Paul Nicholls has a dreadful record in this race with none of his 27 entries having success.