Plate Handicap Chase 2026 Tips - Three names to note at Cheltenham
The 2026 Plate Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival has been rescheduled to Champion Hurdle Day, March 10th. Our analysis of the contenders highlights Madara as the favorite, with promising performances from runners like Jagwar, McLaurey, and Waterford Whispers. Key trends suggest that recent form and past victories at certain distances are crucial indicators. Expert tips suggest value bets on Donnacha, Will The Wise, and Mambonumberfive. Tune into our live stream page to catch all the action.
- Predictions and best bets for the 2026 Plate Handicap Chase
- This handicap takes place on day one of the Cheltenham Festival on March 10th
- Donnacha (12/1), Will The Wise (16/1) and Mambonumberfive (20/1) feature in our selections
As part of a reshuffle of the Cheltenham Festival schedule, the Plate Handicap Chase will now take place on Champion Hurdle day.
We've analysed the field set to take part in this year's race to bring you our Plate Handicap Chase tips for 2026, including our best bets, key trends and race verdict.
Last Updated: 03.03.2026
Race Info
| Race | Plate Handicap Chase |
| Date | Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 |
| Start Time | 4:40pm |
| Status | Premier Handicap |
| Distance | 2m4f |
| First Prize | £84,405 |
| Going | NA |
| Runners | 66 |
| Favourite | Madara (5/1) |
2026 Plate Handicap Chase Key Trends
- 11 of the last 11 winners had won over a trip between 2m3f and 2m5f
- 11 of the last 11 winners had won during that season
- 10 of the last 11 winners were rated in the 140s
- 10 of the last 11 winners had run in at least one Graded race (hurdles or fences)
- 7 of the last 11 winners won on their most recent start
Jagwar looked a stand-out going into last year's Plate, and Jonjo O'Neill Jnr delivered the favourite perfectly to claim victory. Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero's star could head back to the Plate, but Jagwar needs to run over three miles or further at the Cheltenham Festival to qualify for the Grand National, and seems destined to run in the Ultima.
Madara was a huge eye-catcher on his most recent outing at Kempton, and Dan Skelton's course winner will likely go off as the favourite. McLaurey will step up in trip at Cheltenham, and could run here or in the Jack Richards on day three. Waterford Whispers is entered in both races too, but seems more likely to run here, as Henry De Bromhead has Koktail Divin and Slade Steel for the novices' handicap chase.
2026 Plate Handicap Chase Tips
| Bet Type | Name | Odds (3.3.26) |
|---|---|---|
| Value Bet 1 | Donnacha | 12/1 |
| Value Bet 2 | Will The Wise | 16/1 |
| Value Bet 3 | Mambonumberfive | 20/1 |
I haven't finalised my tips for the Plate Handicap Chase yet, and there are three entrants that I'm currently eyeing up.
DONNACHA (10/1) did me a solid when landing the Betfair Exchange Handicap Chase on Trials Day. Nigel Hawke's star was having his first start on the chase course at Cheltenham that day and responded to pressure well, holding Jagwar at bay on the run to the line.
I thought that was an excellent, battling performance and considering the top two pulled ten lengths clear of the pack, a mere three-pound rise seems lenient. He might feature amongst my selections again.
Sixth in the Pertemps Final last season, Gavin Cromwell quickly sent WILL THE WISE (16/1) chasing. After a couple of runs in the spring, Cromwell's seven-year-old finished a close second to future Grade Three winner Ol Man Dingle at Galway, before going on to beat Prends Garde A Toi and Waterford Whispers over the same course-and-distance.
Will The Wise then finished a decent fourth in the Troytown at Navan, before struggling as the favourite for the Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas. Despite some decent form over further, Will The Wise seems best suited to this intermediate trip, and Cromwell's novice has a good record when fresh.
MAMBONUMBERFIVE (20/1) seems likely to head down the handicap route, after a poor showing in the Kingmaker. Ben Pauling's novice excelled on good ground earlier in the season, winning three times over fences. However, Pauling's Wayward Lad winner struggled on heavy ground at Warwick, and trailed across the line a well-beaten third.
Pauling has Vanderpoel lined up for the Grand Annual, and Meetmebythesea earmarked for the Jack Richards. The way Mambonumberfive travels through his races suggests that he would enjoy a step up in trip, and novices have an excellent record in the Plate.
Live Stream
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Plate Handicap Chase 2026 FAQs
When is the Plate Handicap Chase 2026?
The Plate Handicap Chase will take place on day one of the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday 10th March, 2026.
What time does the Plate Handicap Chase go off?
The Plate Handicap Chase is scheduled to start at 4:40pm on March 10th.
Where can I watch the 2026 Plate Handicap Chase?
The Plate Handicap 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
Donnacha beat Jagwar over this course-and-distance on Trials Day, and Nigel Hawke's stable star remains on a winnable mark.
Will The Wise will drop back down in trip at Cheltenham. Gavin Cromwell's seven-year-old is a big danger to the leading players. As is Mambonumberfive, who claimed Grade Two honours at Kempton over Christmas and could return to handicaps at the Festival.
Will The Wise will drop back down in trip at Cheltenham. Gavin Cromwell's seven-year-old is a big danger to the leading players. As is Mambonumberfive, who claimed Grade Two honours at Kempton over Christmas and could return to handicaps at the Festival.
Donnacha
2026 Plate Handicap Chase
@12/1 - 5 Units
Bet £10 Get £40
in free bets
18+. New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. Account & Payment method restrictions apply. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. 18+. T&Cs apply.
Will The Wise
2026 Plate Handicap Chase
@16/1 - 5 Units
Bet £10 Get £40
in free bets
18+. New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. Cashed out/Free Bets won’t apply. Account & Payment method restrictions apply. 1 Free Bet offer per customer, household & IP Address only. 18+. T&Cs apply.
Mambonumberfive
2026 Plate Handicap Chase
@20/1 - 5 Units
Bet £10 Get £10
with promo code NEWBONUS
Join betgoodwin with promo code NEWBONUS and get access to their Bet £10 Get £10 as a free ACCA welcome offer. 18+ only. T&Cs apply.
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