Ultima Handicap Chase Odds: Broadway Boy could go off as favourite

The Ultima Handicap Chase (14:40) at Cheltenham offers up a massive 24-horse field on the opening day, which means we could get a big-priced winner on day one. Below you will find the Ultima Handicap Chase Odds as we got through the key runners and riders for this one. 

Ultima Handicap Chase Odds

The Changing Man @ 7/1

One of the leaders in the market as we approach the race is Joe Tizzard’s The Changing Man. He’s garnered plenty of support in the build up for this one and has the recent performances to back up his tag as the possible pre-race favourite. 

His engine is phenomenal and he secured three second place finishes in Premier Handicaps over three miles and his consistency means he will be in the picture in the final stages. He also secured an emphatic win in the Grade 2 Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase over three miles, which is arguably his best performance to date. The eight-year-old is going to be there or thereabouts in the final few furlongs. 

Broadway Boy @ 7/1

Often used as a barometer for future success at Aintree, Broadway Boy looks to be a prime candidate to win here. He’s already won three times here before and at his local track he often produces his best work. 

However, Nigel Twiston-Davies’ seven-year-old ran here on New Year’s Day but was off-colour, with post-race examinations revealing that he had an issue that could explain the poor showing. Any lingering doubts have been quashed by both his trainer and the market, with Twiston-Davies speakly highly of his chances here - with punters also getting on board with him for this 3m1f test of stamina. 

If you’re happy to make an excuse for his last poor performance, he could be the one to beat. 

Katate Dori @ 7/1

Katate Dori sauntered to a 15-length success at Kempton a few weeks ago and it is that performance that has got punters backing him here. He has been hit and miss with his jumping recently, especially at Wincanton in January where he looked iffy, but he only made one error on his way to a big success at Kempton. 

Dylan Johnson rode his stablemate Our Power to third that day, but he will be back on board here - and he’s very excited about Katate Dori’s chance. “If he turns up in the same form as at Kempton he has to have a real chance," Johnson said. "Any opportunity to ride round Cheltenham is special. My first Festival winner and the David Power Cup would be a great double!”

Personally, I think the underlying issues under fences that have reared their head leave me with too much doubt in comparison to some other solid contenders. 

Cheltenham Betting Odds

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Crebilly @ 17/2

Interesting prospect in my eyes. Trained by Jonjo & AJ O'Neill, Credibly was well-backed for the Plate Handicap Chase at Cheltenham 2024, and finished just behind the winner, Shakem Up’arry having failed to jump smoothly. 

Victory at this course has been the target over the last 12 months and preparations have been strong. The handicapper has been helpful to his chances, dropping him 2lb from the weight he was at last year, but how will he handle his longer trip? Critics will suggest that this may be too tough for him, backers will say the extra yardage will allow him to find his jumping rhythm. 

Take your pick which side of the fence you want to be on!

Whistle Stop Tour @ 10/1

A winner at Kelson back in December and a winner at Ayr more recently. The seven-year-old is a horse to watch given trainer Lucinda Russell knows how to win this race having seen Corach Rambler roar to success in 2022 and 2023. She’s confident about his chances, telling Sporting Life:

"I suppose we've always had this race in mind for Whistle Stop Tour which is why we ran him at Cheltenham, albeit over too short a trip [replay below]. I think I was trying to be clever and not empty him before Cheltenham and he came out of that race really well.

"He ticks a lot of boxes. He's got Cheltenham experience, he'll definitely stay the trip, he's a young horse, he's a novice, he's improving.” 

Plenty of promise then for a horse that could produce something massive. 

The Short Go @ 10/1

I’ll let our horse racing expert Owen McMahon take the reins for this one. He’s backed The Short Go as his NAP of the Day, and I’ll let you read his full Cheltenham Tips for Tuesday, via this link. 

Henry’s Friend @ 11/1

Ben Pauling puts Henry’s Friend forward for this one, and he was a decisive winner of the Mandarin Handicap Chase at Newbury. Having finished fifth in the Coral Gold Cup at the same track, he’s clearly got some pedigree and is worthy of consideration in this field. 

I’ve been impressed with the way he can manage a race, and his ability to pick off horses and keep himself in contention is notable. If he can use his speed at the right time, he could go all the way. 

Myretown @ 11/1

Myretown is another Russell option that could be popular amongst punters. Obviously the trainer has a great recent record in this race while there’s been some notable displays from this horse in recent times. He smashed it at Dromahane at the end of April and has also put in decent showing at Wetherby and Kelso since then. 

Anything trainer Lucinda Russell sends to the Ultima has to be given the once over, and her Myretown will be a popular pick amongst punters.

He was hugely impressive when opening his account at the second attempt at Dromahane at the end of April, before scoring under rules this season at Wetherby and Kelso.

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