Champion Chase Preview with Updated Odds

It is fair to say that Min’s victory in the Coral Dublin Chase on 3rd February gave a whole new dimension to the 2018 Queen Mother Champion Chase betting. In what was a decent field, Min looked highly impressive to win by 10 lengths ahead of Simply Ned and Special Tiara. It was an assured ride by jockey David Mullins, but what was most noteworthy was Min’s strong finish. The Willie Mullins trained seven-year-old looked like he had plenty in reserve as he crossed the finish line.

The win caused several major bookmakers to slash Min’s price in the latest Cheltenham odds 2018, with Paddy Power going 100/30 and William Hill settling at 11/4. Plenty of punters will find that price attractive, especially those who witnessed Min’s commanding performance at Leopardstown.

Altior still leading Champion Chase betting markets

The betting markets have now taken shape following the victory of Altior in a three runner contest at Newbury two weeks ago. That win puts last year's Arkle Chase winner firmly at the head of all ante-post markets at a shade of odds-on. Recent trends are in Altior's favour as Sizing Europe and Sprinter Sacre have both completed the two mile Chasing doubles at the Festival since 2010.

The current Queen Mother Champion Chase odds from William Hill look like this:

Odds correct as of 26/02/2018, others available.

What is most striking is the fact that two of the four market leaders, Altior and Douvan, have not had ideal preparations. Altior's recent win is his only racecourse start since last April and Douvan has not been seen this season. Douvan’s owner Rich Ricci has stated that he is only rated at 50/50 to run in the Champion Chase, so check that your bookmaker is offering NRNB if you are backing him.

Mullins should go all in on Min for Champion Chase

The market will, of course, change in time for the Champion Chase. Willie Mullins especially is likely to play some of his prize chips, such as Un De Sceaux, in other races. However, it does start to give us a picture of the front two — Altior and Min — are shaping up.

Politologue may struggle in better company

Politologue, who has probably been the least scrutinised of runners with a major chance in a Cheltenham feature race this season. He finished a disappointing fourth in the JLT Novices’ Chase last year (won by Yorkhill), then fell when second-favourite for the Doom Bar Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree a few weeks later. This season has gone well with wins in the Tingle Creek Chase and Haldon Gold Cup. He was, however, brushed aside by Altior at Newbury and it would be a leap of faith to see him reverse that form at Cheltenham.

Where does this leave the betting for the Champion Chase? It seems that, with the exception of Min, there are still doubts hanging over several runners and Willie Mullins charge looks sure to give punters a decent run for their money.