SHLOER CHELTENHAM CHASE - PREVIEW & TIPS
2:55 CHELTENHAM
SHLOER CHASE (REGISTERED AS THE CHELTENHAM CHASE) (GRADE 2) (GBB RACE)
L’EAU DU SUD looks set to deliver as JONBON faces a tough challenge.
SHLOER CHASE - PREVIEW
The Shloer Chase is a Grade 2 over about two miles on the Old Course at Cheltenham, featuring twelve fences and open to horses aged five and older. Last year’s winner was JONBON, who took the prize for a second successive time.
JONBON returns as the clear top pick, aiming for a third straight success in this race and looking very difficult to oppose. Among the dangers, keep an eye on those stepping up or returning in form who may upset the favourite if he falters. Ground and pace will matter: the quickening finish at Cheltenham often rewards sharp‑chasing types who handle their fences on the turn.
Alongside JONBON, several horses look capable of challenging. L’EAU DU SUD is likely the main danger, bringing strong recent form and consistency over two miles. EDWARDSTONE and BOOTHILL are experienced at this level and have performed well at Cheltenham before, making them live each-way hopes. LIBBERTY HUNTER also merits respect as a course‑tested horse who can take advantage if the favourite falters. These runners give depth to the race and could make things interesting if the pace or jumping doesn’t fall in JONBON’s favour.
SHLOER CHASE - RUNNER BY RUNNER GUIDE
JONBON - 5/6
JONBON looks the one to beat once again. He’s a two-time winner of this race and returns after a wind operation looking in top shape. His class over two miles at Cheltenham is undeniable, and while there’s always the question of whether a break has dulled him, all signs point to him being very hard to beat if he jumps fluently. However it's a tough ask winning this race 3 times in a row and for me the value is laying him. At around EVS in a short competitive field I have a nagging feeling he will find one too good.
L'EAU DU SUD - 7/2
L’EAU DU SUD is the obvious danger. He arrives with four chase wins to his name and a solid fourth in the Arkle last season, so he knows how to handle a competitive two-mile Grade 2. If he can reproduce that level of form, he could give Jonbon a real race on the front end. The Skelton combination has started the season well already and im certain will have many backers here.
BROOKIE - 33/1
BROOKIE is stepping into Grade 2 company after a pair of wins and a recent close third over course and distance. He’s improving and could well run into a place if he continues on that upward curve, though a win would require another jump in form, which is probably a step too far.
EDWARDSTONE - 16/1
EDWARDSTONE is the experienced hand of the field. He’s an 11-year-old with previous C&D form and has been placed in this race before. He’ll be hard to ignore if the pace is strong, but age and a quiet spell mean he’ll need to raise his game to get in the mix at the finish. Way too short at 16's.
HADDEX DES OBEAUX - 50/1
HADDEX DES OBEAUX returns from a long absence and is very much one for the each-way market at best. He has shown ability early in his chasing career, but a return after almost two years off makes him hard to predict in a race of this calibre. I am intrigued why he has been entered here and at 50/1 may be worth a few quid each way out of optimistic curiousity.
LIBBERTY HUNTER - 9/2
LIBBERTY HUNTER is a course winner with plenty of potential. He fell in the Queen Mother Champion Chase but has proven he can mix it at this level. If he jumps fluently and avoids errors, he has each-way claims and could sneak into the frame. It's worth saying Evan Williams is a superb trainer however a truly dismal start to the season is a major concern. I expect him to drift in the market. Way too short to even consider.
MATATA - 14/1
MATATA impressed last season with wins including over C&D, but his recent return was disappointing. He could bounce back here if he settles and jumps cleanly, making him a contender for a place if others falter. It's worth noting he's being tipped up by the industry tipsters. So 14/1 could offer great each way money for bettors.
SHLOER CHASE - FINAL THOUGHTS
The Shloer Chase shapes up as an intriguing two-mile contest at Cheltenham. L’EAU DU SUD looks the one to back for the win. He arrives in strong form, has proven ability over two miles, and his consistency at this level makes him a very solid selection. If he jumps fluently and stays in touch with the pace, he has every chance of going close.
JONBON, despite his class and back-to-back wins in this race, is the one to consider laying. Fresh from a break and with questions over whether he’ll return in peak form, he might be vulnerable if the race develops at a fast pace or if he doesn’t jump at his usual sharpness. Others in the mix, include MATATA, could also capitalize if JONBON underperforms, but the value play appears to lie with L’EAU DU SUD to get the job done.