National Hunt Novices’ Handicap Chase Odds: Hauti Couleurs to win lucky last?

Cheltenham Festival day one is brought to a climax with the lucky last of the National Hunt Chase (17:20), which features 20 runners over a distance of over three-and-a-half miles. 

We've picked out some of the favourites and given you a run down of the National Hunt Novices' Handicap Chase Odds 2025...

National Hunt Novices' Handicap Chase Odds

Haiti Couleurs @ 4/1

Rebecca Curtis' talented chaser is one of the main beneficiaries of the change in the National Hunt Chase from a Grade 2 contest to a handicap. This eight-year-old gelding has good recent form and is a past winner at Cheltenham over a slightly shorter distance back in December.

A encouraging run over hurdles at Newbury recently showed he has plenty of pace and helped to protect his chase mark. He should go very close here.

Now Is The Hour @ 9/2

Another eight-year-old at the top of the market, Now Is The Hour was the ante-post favourite in the betting but has since lengthened due to the good recent weather. Gavin Cromwell's horse has never won over the chase fences and tends to save his best work for when the ground is a little more testing.

However, he has Keith Donoghue on board who loves it at Cheltenham and the yard also have strong form here.

Transmission @ 5/1

Neil Mulholland's Transmission absolutely loves this track and his last four runs have all been at Prestbury Park, including a win over 3m 1f back in November. Patrick Mullins was in the saddle that day and he returns on Tuesday to try and win a much bigger prize.

You can safely ignore his last place in a hurdles blow-out last time out and back over the bigger fences, he should have a lot more to offer.

Cheltenham Betting Odds

Captain Cody @ 15/2

There could be a great story on the horizon if Captain Cody gets over the line first, with connections dedicating a potential win to the tragic passing of jockey Michael O'Sullivan.

In terms of his chances for winning the race, this seven-year-old gelding has slowly improved over the bigger fences since switching in November and came third at Navan over a 3m distance, while running on strongly, suggesting a longer trip may suit.

Trainer Willie Mullins has won this race three times in the last ten runnings and this looks the pick from his two runners here.

Gericault Rock @ 8/1

This David Pipe nine-year-old was being talked about as a Grand National runner but it seems they have targeted this Festival race instead. While he is still a maiden over the chase fences, he has been incredibly consistent, finishing in the top three on all six occasions.

He beat Corach Rambler on one of those occasions and looks primed to go well here. He has placed at the Cheltenham Festival previously and I'd be surprised if he doesn't once again.

Resplendent Grey @ 9/1

The last of our highlighted runners is the well-fancied Resplendent Grey.

Olly Murphy's seven-year-old was eye-catching here last time out over a much shorter distance and this longer trip should suit him perfectly.

Sean Bowen is one of the best in the business and should have a great chance in the saddle on a horse that probably has the best form in the race.

Offers:

Betfred are offering cash back up to £10 if your horse comes second in the last race of every day of the Cheltenham Festival.

Selection must finish 2nd in selected race(s). Win singles & win part of E/W bets only. Cash within 24 hours, max £10. Min runner rules apply. T&Cs Apply.

*Selected UK & Irish races. Free Bets, Antepost, Tote, Lucky 15/31/63 bets don’t apply. Eligible from 08:00 on day of race. Excludes Super Extra Place Races. T&Cs Apply.

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