The Ultima Handicap Chase is the opening handicap of the Cheltenham Festival, run over three miles and one furlong on the first day. This competitive race has produced several Grand National winners and consistently delivers value for each-way bettors.
The Ultima Handicap Chase represents one of the most intriguing betting opportunities at the Cheltenham Festival, combining competitive handicapping with the stamina test of three miles and one furlong. As the first handicap of the Festival, this race sets the tone for punters seeking value away from the headline championship events. The 2026 edition promises another fascinating renewal, with early market leaders already emerging and several contenders positioning themselves for a tilt at this prestigious prize.
Scheduled as the third race on opening day of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday, 10 March, the Ultima Handicap Chase has established itself as a race where preparation, course experience, and tactical riding combine to produce thrilling finishes. Unlike the championship races where class typically prevails, handicaps offer opportunities for well-handicapped horses to upset market leaders, making odds comparison and value-seeking essential components of successful betting strategy.
The race has produced some remarkable stories, most notably Corach Rambler who won consecutive renewals in 2022 and 2023 before going on to Grand National glory. This connection to Aintree's showpiece is no coincidence, as the stamina and jumping prowess required for the Ultima often translates perfectly to the National's demands. Historical winners including West Tip, Seagram, and Rough Quest all went on to Grand National success, establishing a pattern that astute bettors monitor closely.
The ante-post market for the 2026 Ultima Handicap Chase has begun to take shape, with several horses trading at competitive prices. Early market analysis reveals a typically open betting heat, with no overwhelming favourite dominating proceedings. This market structure reflects the competitive nature of Festival handicaps, where weight allocations and recent form create multiple viable contenders.
At the head of the market, several horses are trading in the 14/1 to 20/1 bracket, indicating bookmaker uncertainty about a clear favourite. Three Card Brag has been quoted at 14/1, representing one of the shorter-priced options in early markets. King Of Answers follows at 16/1, while a cluster of horses including Spillane's Tower, Hoe Joly Smoke, Isaac Des Obeaux, Resplendent Grey, Blaze The Way, Derryhassen Paddy, Wade Out, and Backmersackme all trade at 20/1.
This pricing structure suggests bookmakers view the race as highly competitive, with no standout candidate emerging from early assessments. The 20/1 bracket contains horses with varying profiles, from proven Festival performers to progressive types seeking to announce themselves on the biggest stage. Bettors should monitor these odds closely as trial races unfold and weights are confirmed.
The 25/1 tier features an extensive list of contenders including Rock My Way, Deep Cave, The Wallpark, Double Powerful, Doyen Quest, Booster Bob, The Doyen Chief, Lombron, Victtorino, Panic Attack, Moon Rocket, and High Class Hero. This depth of market reflects the large fields typical of Festival handicaps, where 20 to 30 runners create multiple each-way opportunities.
At 33/1, horses such as Take All, O'moore Park, Butch, Herakles Westwood, Jeriko Du Reponet, Ask Brewster, and Hung Jury represent longer-priced alternatives for bettors seeking bigger returns. The 40/1 to 50/1 range includes Olympic Man, Monbeg Genius, Leave Of Absence, Le Milos, Spanish Harlem, Collectors Item, Klarc Kent, King's Threshold, Buddy One, and Chosen Witness, while outsiders Knockanore at 66/1 and Goshen at 80/1 complete the early market picture.
Understanding historical patterns provides crucial context for Ultima Handicap Chase betting. Statistical analysis reveals several consistent trends that have held true across multiple renewals, offering guidance for punters navigating this competitive handicap.
The most striking trend in recent Ultima Handicap Chase history is the dominance of horses with previous Cheltenham experience. The last twelve winners had all raced at the course at least once before their victory, with seven having won at Cheltenham previously. This pattern underscores the unique demands of the track, where undulating terrain, stiff fences, and the famous uphill finish test horses in ways that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Bettors should prioritize horses with proven Cheltenham form, particularly those who have handled the track's challenges successfully. A previous win at the course represents strong positive evidence, while horses making their Festival debut face significantly longer odds of success based on historical data.
Eight-year-olds have emerged as the optimal age group for Ultima Handicap Chase success, claiming four victories in the past ten seasons. Corach Rambler's 2022 triumph as an eight-year-old exemplifies this trend, combining the physical maturity needed for a stamina test with sufficient racing mileage to be competitive in a quality handicap. This age profile suggests horses in their prime chasing years, having accumulated experience without yet declining physically.
The Ultima Handicap Chase attracts a large field of staying chasers, with weights allocated by the official handicapper to theoretically give every horse an equal chance. This creates excellent each-way betting opportunities, as bookmakers typically offer enhanced place terms for Festival handicaps.
Ante-post markets open months before the Festival, with odds fluctuating based on trial race performances, weight allocations, and stable confidence. Savvy bettors monitor these movements to identify value before the final declarations are made approximately 48 hours before the race.
The Ultima Handicap Chase consistently produces results that reward each-way betting strategies. Coo Star Sivola in 2018 stands as the only outright favourite to win in the last twelve seasons, highlighting the difficulty market leaders face in this competitive environment. The longest recent winning odds belonged to Vintage Clouds in 2021, who returned at 28/1, demonstrating the value available for those willing to look beyond obvious choices.
This pattern suggests that blind favouritism is a losing strategy for the Ultima. Instead, bettors should focus on identifying well-handicapped horses with the right profile, even if they trade at double-figure odds. The each-way terms offered by bookmakers for Festival handicaps make this approach particularly attractive, as place returns provide insurance against narrow defeats.
Successful Ultima Handicap Chase betting requires a methodical approach that combines statistical analysis with assessment of current form and conditions. Several strategies have proven effective for maximizing returns from this race.
Given the rarity of winning favourites and the typical field size, each-way betting represents the optimal approach for most punters. Bookmakers typically offer enhanced place terms for Cheltenham Festival handicaps, often paying four or five places at one-fifth or one-quarter odds. These terms dramatically improve the value proposition for horses trading at 10/1 or longer, as place returns alone can generate profit even without a win.
When evaluating each-way bets, calculate the effective odds for a place finish and assess whether the horse's realistic chance of finishing in the frame justifies the stake. Horses with strong course form, appropriate age profiles, and competitive handicap marks often represent superior each-way value compared to shorter-priced market leaders.
With numerous bookmakers offering odds on the Ultima Handicap Chase, price comparison is essential for maximizing returns. Variations of several points are common across different operators, particularly in ante-post markets where individual bookmakers may have different views on horse prospects. Using odds comparison tools and maintaining accounts with multiple bookmakers allows bettors to consistently secure the best available price.
This practice becomes particularly important for each-way betting, where both win and place terms vary between operators. Some bookmakers offer more generous place terms or better place fractions, significantly impacting overall returns. Always check both the odds and the terms before placing each-way bets.
Multiple variables affect odds movements in the lead-up to the Ultima Handicap Chase, creating opportunities for astute bettors to identify value before markets fully adjust.
Performances in traditional Ultima trial races significantly impact odds. Strong showings in competitive handicaps at tracks like Ascot, Newbury, or Leopardstown often trigger odds contractions, while disappointing runs lead to drift. Monitoring these trials allows bettors to assess form trends and identify horses improving or regressing relative to market expectations.
The official handicap weights, published several weeks before the Festival, represent a critical market-moving event. Horses receiving favorable marks relative to their ability often see their odds shorten dramatically, while those harshly treated drift in the market. Understanding handicapping principles and assessing whether weights accurately reflect ability provides an edge in identifying value.
Significant ante-post gambles often signal stable confidence, as connections back their horses before final declarations. While not infallible, these market moves frequently indicate inside information about horse wellbeing and preparation. Conversely, horses drifting in the market may face training setbacks or be targeted at alternative races. Monitoring market movements provides insight into connections' true intentions.
The Ultima Handicap Chase offers one of the premier betting opportunities at the Cheltenham Festival, combining competitive handicapping with the prestige of jump racing's biggest meeting. The 2026 renewal promises another fascinating contest, with early markets suggesting an open race where multiple horses hold realistic winning chances. By focusing on horses with proven Cheltenham experience, appropriate age profiles, and competitive handicap marks, bettors can identify value in a race where favourites rarely oblige. Each-way betting strategies, combined with diligent odds comparison and attention to key trends, provide the optimal approach for navigating this challenging but rewarding betting heat. As trial races unfold and final declarations approach, the market will continue evolving, creating opportunities for those prepared to conduct thorough analysis and act decisively when value emerges.
The Ultima Handicap Chase is scheduled for Tuesday, 10 March 2026, as the third race on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival. It is run over three miles and one furlong.
Current market leaders include Three Card Brag at 14/1 and King Of Answers at 16/1, with numerous horses trading between 20/1 and 33/1. Odds comparison across multiple bookmakers is essential for securing the best available prices.
No, favourites rarely win this race. Only one outright favourite has won in the last twelve seasons, making each-way betting on longer-priced horses a more effective strategy for this competitive handicap.
Course experience is crucial, with all twelve recent winners having raced at Cheltenham previously. Seven of those had won at the course before, highlighting the importance of proven ability to handle the track's unique challenges.
Eight-year-olds have the strongest recent record, winning four of the last ten renewals. This age represents the optimal balance between experience and physical capability for the race's stamina demands.
Yes, several Ultima winners have gone on to Grand National success, including Corach Rambler, West Tip, Seagram, and Rough Quest. The stamina and jumping requirements of both races create this historical link.
Bookmakers typically offer enhanced place terms for Cheltenham Festival handicaps, often paying four or five places at one-fifth or one-quarter odds, making each-way betting particularly attractive for this competitive race.
Monitor trial race performances, wait for handicap weight allocations, compare odds across multiple bookmakers, and focus on horses with proven Cheltenham form and appropriate age profiles. Be prepared to act when value emerges in the market.
Compare odds and offers from leading bookmakers for the Ultima Handicap Chase
Detailed breakdown of which horses have proven Cheltenham experience and how previous course performances indicate Festival prospects for the 2026 Ultima Handicap Chase.
Expert guide to maximizing returns through strategic each-way betting on the Ultima Handicap Chase, including place term comparisons and value identification techniques.
Three Card Brag and King Of Answers head early betting markets as bookmakers frame competitive opening prices for the 2026 Ultima Handicap Chase.
Historical analysis confirms the strong connection between Ultima Handicap Chase winners and subsequent Grand National success, with trainers targeting both races.
Official handicap allocations expected in early 2026 will significantly impact odds as connections assess their chances in this competitive Festival opener.