As one of the most exhilarating contests in the National Hunt calendar, the Queen Mother Champion Chase captivates audiences with its blend of speed, skill, and sheer spectacle.

Year after year, the finest two-mile chasers converge at Cheltenham — each vying for a place in racing history.

El Fabiolo, Jonbon, and Edwardstone are at the fore of the Queen Mother Champion Chase 2024 market.

So, to decipher the puzzle of this prestigious race, let’s delve into the key trends that have shaped its recent history. 

Age

Experience reigns supreme in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, with 10 of the 12 recent winners aged between seven and nine.

This age range offers a balance between youthful enthusiasm and seasoned maturity, providing the ideal profile for success over the demanding two-mile trip.

Price

While just five of the last 12 winners of the Champion Chase were the favourite, the betting market is still a reliable guide — with all but one of the 12 champions in the top three of the betting. 

This suggests that bettors should pay close attention to the aforementioned leading contenders when assessing their chances.

Last Run

Recent form is a noteworthy factor in determining success, with half of the last 12 prevailing in their final outing before the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

Additionally, the majority of champions had their last run within the last 53 days — highlighting the importance of maintaining sharpness and fitness leading up to the big race.

Preparation Races

The Clarence House Chase at Ascot has emerged as a key preparatory race, with a significant number of winners (eight of 12) contesting it in their final outing.

While not all winners of the Clarence House Chase go on to glory at Cheltenham, the race serves as a crucial form guide for assessing contenders.

Course Form

Familiarity with the undulating contours of Cheltenham is crucial, with 11 out of the 12 recent winners boasting at least one previous run at the course.

Moreover, a substantial proportion of winners (eight of 12) had notched up previous victories at Cheltenham — showcasing their affinity for the unique challenges posed by the track.

Distance Form

Proficiency over distances ranging from 15 to 17 furlongs is a prerequisite for success in the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

All recent winners had extensive experience over these distances, with 10 out of the 12 having accumulated at least six wins over such testing trips — underscoring their speed and stamina.

Chase Credentials And Rating

A solid foundation in chase racing is essential, with 11 out of the 12 winners having accumulated at

least seven runs over fences and all having at least five victories over the larger obstacles.

Moreover, a high rating is a common attribute among victors — with 10/12 boasting ratings of 164 or higher.

Grade Wins And Seasonal Form

Success in Grade 1 and Grade 2 contests is a recurring theme among Queen Mother Champion Chase winners, with all recent victors boasting at least one win at the highest levels of the sport.

Furthermore, a consistent season is key, with all but one of the winners having notched up at least two runs and at least one victory during the season.

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Using these key trends, we hope you can heed the market to pick a winner with your Cheltenham welcome offers.