TrustATrader Plate Handicap Tips, Predictions and Odds 2025

The Plate is a Grade 3 handicap chase over 2 and a half miles, with runners having to negotiate 17 fences. While the very competitive nature of this race, as well as the added risk of each horse not running, is reflected in the current odds, picking out a winner can be a rewarding venture, especially given the juicy ante-post prices. With many potential runners holding entries for other races at the festival, the recommendation would be to play with a bookmaker offering non-runner no bet if possible, although this will be taken into consideration in the price. While the past form of trainers may not be worth much in these types of races, it is worth noting that since 2010 David Pipe has won this contest on three occasions, with the Irish horses also enjoying some success in recent years.  

TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase Betting Tip

Key Trends

• Last 6 winners had a Course win that season
• Last 3 winners have been aged 10+
• The last nine winners had previously contested a Grade 1 Nov Chase or Hurdle

There are several 2-and-a-half mile handicap chases run at Cheltenham every year and as such, this race seems to favour course specialists. As the stats point out, previous course and distance form is a must. Additionally, while there is an accepted wisdom that festival glory is a young Irish horse’s game, the last 3 winners of this race have been double digits in age, with 2 of them trained in England. This is not a surprise when we look at some of the generous drops that have been dished out by the English handicapper. In this case, the selection FUGITIF (20/1) who contested the Ryanair Grade 1 Chase last year has been dropped 6 pounds for a 3rd and 5th place in 2 course and distance handicap chases. Now rated 148, this is 3 pounds less than when winning last year….yes you guessed it…..over course and distance. So while he hasn’t won at the course this year (like the last 6 winners) he gets a silver medal in this category. At 10 I don’t think his best days are behind him and I give him a huge chance here. Crebilly is the main danger and is another who is the beneficiary of generous handicapping (running here off 2 pounds lower then when second last year) but the relative price disparity here (12 points) is too big for me. Honourable mention to another course and distance English trained specialist Il Ridoto at 33/1, who has actually won at the course this year and may again benefit from Freddie Gingell’s 3 pound claim.  

Cheltenham Bookie Offers

table_list num=”5″ cat=”Homepage” sort=”date” logo_aff_link=”true”]