2025 Melling Chase Tips - Jonbon to bounce back at Aintree?
The 2025 Melling Chase is set with Jonbon as the standout favorite. Despite a second-place finish at the Cheltenham Festival, Jonbon is expected to retain his title, having previously won this race. El Fabiolo faces challenges after recent performance dips, Protektorat hopes to improve after a recent fourth-place finish, and Matata aims to surprise after successes earlier in the season. With only four runners, the race leans heavily towards Jonbon, who has a history of success at this meeting.
- Odds and betting predictions for the 2025 Melling Chase
- This Grade One will take place on day two of the Grand National meeting at Aintree on April 4th
- Jonbon is the most likely winner at 4/6
Day two of the Grand National Festival is headlined by the Melling Chase. This two-and-a-half-mile Grade One was first staged at Aintree 1991 and Jonbon will bid to join the likes of Viking Flagship, Voy Por Ustedes and Moscow Flyer on the list of two-time winners when he returns to Merseyside this week.
Here's our free guide to the 2025 Melling Chase, featuring our best betting tips.
2025 Melling Chase Odds
| Name | Odds |
|---|---|
| Jonbon | 4/6 |
| El Fabiolo | 5/1 |
| Protektorat | 6/1 |
| Matata | 33/1 |
2025 Melling Chase Runners
Jonbon came up short again on his quest for a Cheltenham Festival victory, when second to Marine Nationale in the Champion Chase last month. Nicky Henderson's star won this race 12 months ago after missing Cheltenham completely, and Jonbon remains the bookies favourite to claim back-to-back wins.
El Fabiolo missed the Cheltenham Festival this year and was beaten by Senecia in the Webster Cup last time out. Willie Mullins' star will be having his fourth meeting with Jonbon, and it was Nicky Henderson's star who came out on top in their most recent clash in the Celebration Chase at Aintree.
Dan Skelton's Protektorat is a previous Grade One winner at this meeting and will be looking to bounce back after relinquishing his Ryanair Chase crown. The final runner is Nigel Twiston-Davies' Matata, who steps up beyond two miles for the first time, having won two handicaps earlier in the season.
2025 Melling Chase Tips
A disappointing turn out of just four runners for Friday's Melling Chase. El Fabiolo remains the highest-rated chaser in the field, but his career has gone pear-shaped since he was pulled up in the 2024 Champion Chase and his most recent run at Navan will offer punters little encouragement.
Protektorat has a good record around Aintree, but this run comes just 22 days after he finished a well-beaten fourth behind the imperious Fact To File in the Ryanair Chase. Then there's the free-going Matata, who often struggles to see out two miles when he pulls too hard, so I can't see this step up in trip bringing about any further improvement.
In short, this looks like a penalty kick for JONBON (4/6). Nicky Henderson's star wasn't anywhere near his best in this race 12 months ago, but was still good enough to see off Conflated and Protektorat and claim a narrow victory.
Nico De Boinville was almost flug from Jonbon's saddle when he made a telling mistake at the half-way stage in the Champion Chase. To his credit, Jonbon finished his race well to place second behind runaway winner Marine Nationale, but would have been third had Quilixios not fallen at the last.
Jonbon is three-from-three at this meeting and good ground should suit him more than El Fabiolo. I won't be backing him at such a short price, but I'll still be cheering Jonbon home as he bids to retain his Melling Chase crown.
Visit our Melling Chase Live Stream page if you want to watch any of Friday's races at Aintree via a mobile or tablet.
Live Stream
Visit our Melling Chase Live Stream page if you want to watch any of Friday's races at Aintree via a mobile or tablet.
Verdict
Jonbon is the most likely winner of the 2025 Melling Chase.
Jonbon
2025 Melling Chase
@2/3 - 5 Units
Bet £20 Get £10
Use promo code NEWBONUS
18+ New customers only. Bet £20 (or more) EVS (2.0) or greater Get 2 x £5 Free Bets. 1 x £5 Free Bet paid automatically & following £5 Free Bet after 24hrs. Min Free Bet odds 4/1 (5.0) on accumulators Trebles & upwards. Expires after 24hrs. Full T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
27 May 2026
- Daily Tips on May 27th -
- Horse Racing
28 May 2026
- 2026 Brigadier Gerard Stakes -
- Horse Racing
30 May 2026
- 2026 Lester Piggott Stakes -
- Horse Racing
Load More
