Mares' Chase 2026 Tips - Dinoblue a good-thing to retain Festival crown?

Jon Vine

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Last updated: Wed 11 Mar 2026 18:36

Jon Vine 11 Mar 2026

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Predictions and best bets for the 2026 Mares' Chase
This Grade Two takes place on day four of the Cheltenham Festival on March 13th
Panic Attack (11/2) features in our selections

Jockey, Mark Walsh on Dinoblue leads the Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Steeple Chase during Gold Cup Day. (Getty)

One of the newest races at the Cheltenham Festival is the Mares' Chase, a Grade Two which was added to the Gold Cup schedule in 2021.

We've analysed the field set to take part in this year's race to bring you our Mares' Chase tips for 2026, including our best bet and race verdict.

Last Updated: 26.02.2026

Race Info

Race	Mares' Chase
Date	Friday, March 13th, 2026
Start Time	2:40pm
Status	Grade Two
Distance	2m4f127y
First Prize	£73,151
Going	NA
Runners	24
Favourite	Dinoblue (7/4)

2025 Mares' Chase Runners

Following a narrow defeat to Limerick Lace the previous year, Dinoblue ran out a convincing winner of this Grade Two at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival. Willie Mullins' mare had continued her excellent for this season, claiming two comfortable victories against her fellow mares, and this Grade Two has been her seasonal target.

Willie Mullins will be further represented by Spindleberry, who seems an unlikely runner in the Gold Cup after flopping against the boys at the Dublin Racing Festival. Spindleberry claimed Grade One honours as a novice last season, and looked good when winning on her first two starts this term.

Panic Attack became the first horse in history to win the Paddy Power Gold Cup and the Coral Gold Cup in the same season, and Dan Skelton's mare will run here before a probable tilt at the Grand National. Only By Night was touched off in the Arkle 12 months ago, and Gavin Cromwell's mare seems ready for this step up in trip.

Novices will be well-represented again in the Mares' Chase. Ben Pauling looks set to unleash unbeaten chaser Diva Luna, as Gordon Elliott's Kala Conti drops back down in grade following a runner-up effort behind Sixmilebridge in the Scilly Isles at Sandown.

Jade De Grugy has managed to win over fences this season, but could return to the smaller obstacles at Cheltenham if Lossiemouth takes her chance in the Champion Hurdle. July Flower and Kargese seem to be Arkle-bound, and The Big Westerner will take her chance in the Brown Advisory.

French trainer, David Cottin has entered Grade Three winner Karre D'As, but she's likely to head for the Cross Country instead. Telepathique is a likely runner for Lucy Wadham. Harry Derham's Jasmine Bliss could take on more experienced mares at the Cheltenham Festival. All The Glory, Shecouldbeanything and Wyenot could also take their chances on Gold Cup day.

2026 Mares' Chase Tips

Bet Type	Name	Odds (26.2.26)
Value Bet	Panic Attack	11/2
One To Watch	July Flower	10/1

Note: These selections are subject to change. All of my selections will be finalised once the fields have been confirmed.

Dinoblue benefited greatly from a more prominent ride when winning this race last season. Willie Mullins' mare is good enough to be running in the Champion Chase, and looks to have an outstanding chance of retaining her title.

The favourite will have to take on a healthy field of quality opponents. Spindleberry could rival her stablemate for favouritism, but she's never raced around Cheltenham before and has to carry that Grade One-winners penalty.

I'm not convinced that Kala Conti will have the stamina for two-and-a-half miles around Cheltenham. Diva Luna likes to boss races from the front, and I doubt she'll get her own way in the lead. Only Bug Night has some strong form in the book, but she's unproven over further than two miles, and Gavin Cromwell's horses have hardly set the world alight this season.

panic attack cheltenham — Harry Skelton riding Panic Attack (orange) clear the last to win The Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Cheltenham. (Getty)

PANIC ATTACK (15/2) is in the form of her life, and has to be respected in this Grade Two.

Dan Skelton's star was excellent in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, and even better when following up at Newbury. Panic Attack returned to that venue for her pre-Cheltenham tune-up in a Listed Mares' Chase, and never saw another rival as she ran out a 14-length winner.

Whether Dan Skelton's mare can raise her game again to challenge a proper Grade One horse in Dinoblue, I'm not so sure. She does, however, have course form in the book and has enjoyed softer ground throughout her career.

July Flower would be of interest each-way, if Henry de Bromhead decides to go down this route. However, I can't see Panic Attack finishing out of the frame, and will wait until the field has been confirmed to see if I can get a better price than 11/2.

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Mares' Chase 2026 FAQs

When is the Mares' Chase 2026?

The Mares' Chase will take place on day four of the Cheltenham Festival on Friday 13th March, 2026.

What time does the Mares' Chase go off?

The Mares' Chase is scheduled to start at 2:40pm on March 14th.

Who will win the 2026 Mares' Chase?

Dinoblue ran out a clear cut winner of the Mares' Chase in 2025 and Willie Mullins' mare has every chance of claiming back-to-back wins. Panic Attack has been in inspired form this season, and could challenge the defending champion.

Where can I watch the 2026 Mares' Chase?

The Mares' Chase will be shown live on ITV Racing. You can also stream the race live on a mobile device. Head to our website for more information.

Verdict

Panic Attack looks to have an excellent chance in the 2026 Mares' Chase, but I'll only back Dan Skelton's mare if she drifts out to something like 7/1 or 8/1.

July Flower could be switched from the Arkle, and she'd appeal from an each-way standpoint too.

Panic Attack

2026 Mares' Chase

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