2025 Novices' Champion Handicap Chase Tips

Masaccio could be an each-way bet to nothing when it comes to the Novices' Champion Handicap Chase. The eight-year-old produced a fine performance to finish third in the Plate Handicap Chase at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival. That was over two miles and four furlongs, although a longer trip could be ideal and the horse previously ran well at Cheltenham in January.

Jasmin De Grugy is an interesting contender. Anthony Honeyball saw his charge rack up four successive victories before a disappointing recent outing. That saw the favourite beaten at Newbury in early March, although that was preceded by a success at Newbury over nearly three miles. There was also a triumph at Southwell and the charge could go well again.

Lombron could be Willie Mullins’ best chance of a success in this Ayr race as Willie Mullins goes in search of the trainers’ championship. There was a success for the horse at Clonmel when the 1/2 favourite was able to oblige over two miles and four furlongs. This came after a solid showing at Gowran Park where the 11/1 shot went well in the Beginners Chase.

Coco Mademoiselle has solid credentials and might fare well for trainer Dan Skelton, with the horse last seen finishing runner-up at Sandown Park. That was over two miles and four furlongs and we’ll now see the horse over a longer trip. The mare somewhat flattered to deceive as the 15/8 favourite in a handicap chase and could only achieve a midfield finish.

2024 Novices' Champion Handicap Chase Tips

Montgomery has done no wrong in the past three outings, racking up a string of victories and the seven-year-old will be bidding to record yet another win when it comes to the Novices' Champion Handicap Chase at Ayr. The horse was last seen claiming a win at Bangor-on-Dee when fending off four other rivals to oblige as the 8/11 favourite.

Previously to this, there was another win against a small field at Leicester where the horse was able to achieve a seventeen length victory. This came after a previous triumph at Bangor although there’s a notable step up in class when it comes to this race. Perhaps Klarc Kent will deliver a success for trainer Willie Mullins.

The eight-year-old was last seen finishing second at Fairyhouse in an eight-runner race, with the 9/1 beaten by a neck on that occasion. Previously to this came a smart performance at Punchestown where the horse was able to finish third out of a field of seven, with favourite Senior Chief proving too strong at odds-on.

Stay Away Fay was pulled up at the Cheltenham Festival, although the Paul Nicholls-trained runner was previously able to run well in the Cotswold Chase at the same track. Earlier in the season, there were wins at Exeter and Sandown, although much depends on whether the horse has sufficiently recovered from its last race.