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Plate Handicap Chase 2025 - Side with novices in Cheltenham Festival handicap
- Free guide to the 2025 Plate Handicap Chase
- This handicap will take place on day three of the Cheltenham Festival on Thursday 13th March
- Masaccio features in our verdict
Expired
The Plate Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. (Getty
)
Following on from the Stayers' Hurdle on day three of the Cheltenham Festival is the Plate Handicap Chase. This two-and-a-half mile contest always gets the St Patrick's Day crowd on their feet in this year's renewal is looking as open as ever.
Here's our free guide to the 2025 Plate Handicap Chase, featuring the latest odds, expert analysis and our best betting tips.
*Note - Best bets won't be finalised until the field has been confirmed*
2025 Plate Handicap Chase Odds
| Name | Odds |
|---|---|
| Jagwar | 7/1 |
| Crebilly | 8/1 |
| Firefox | 9/1 |
| Springwell Bay | 10/1 |
| Masaccio | 12/1 |
| Thecompanysergeant | 12/1 |
| Bar | 14/1 |
2025 Plate Handicap Chase Key Trends
- 10 of the last 10 winners were rated in the 140s
- 10 of the last 10 winners had won over a trip between 2m3f and 2m5f
- 10 of the last 10 winners had won during that season
- 10 of the last 10 winners had run in at least one Graded race (hurdles or fences)
- 6 of the last 10 winners won on their most recent start
There is no age trend when it comes to the Plate. We've seen horses as young as six and as old as 11 claim victory in this competitive handicap. What's more important is the right rating, winning experience over the distance and momentum going into the "greatest show on turf".
Jagwar ticks all of the boxes and, having run four times over fences, Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero's novice is eligible to run against his elders. Connections are said to be leaning towards the Jack Richards Novices' Handicap, but I've backed Jagwar for the Plate and would fancy him strongly if he turned up.
2025 Plate Handicap Chase Tip 1 - Masaccio
If Jagwar does run here, then I'd be very keen on his chances. Springwell Bay will be carrying close to top weight, but this doesn't look like a particularly deep renewal of the Plate and the O'Neill's might book a claimer to ease his burden, as Jonjo Jnr will likely be riding Crebilly.
Alan King is said to be leaning towards running MASACCIO (12/1) in the Jack Richards Novices' Handicap Chase too. However, I think it would be a missed opportunity if at least one of the top British novices' didn't target the Plate, given that four of the last eight renewals have been won by novices and this doesn't look like a deep renewal.
Alan King's star made an excellent start to life over fences, winning nicely at Newbury before a two-length defeat to The Jukebox Man in the John Francombe. Masaccio took on that same rival again in the Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton, but didn't jump particularly well in the early stages and faded once he got into the final half-mile.
Masaccio then flew up the hill at Cheltenham to finish third behind Jagwar on Trials Day, where he was giving 11 pounds to the winner. King's eight-year-old would have a lovely weight if he chose to enter the Plate and it would be an emotional victory for connections, following the recent passing of part-owner, Niall Farrell.
Two more on my radar: I've backed Jordans for the Novices' Handicap Chase and would fancy him if he turned up here instead. Panic Attack is rated a little below 140, but she won so well on her sole chasing start this season and has solid course form to her name.
Verdict
If at least one of Britain's top novices doesn't run in the Plate, then they've missed a golden opportunity and Masaccio would look to have a huge chance if he turned up.
Masaccio
2025 Plate Handicap Chase
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