Ultima Handicap Chase 2026 Tips: Cheltenham 3:20 Preview & Best Bets

Cheltenham 3:20 – Quick Tips

Best Bet: Blow Your Wad
Main Danger: Jagwar
Each-Way Value: Quebecois

Predicted Finish

1. Blow Your Wad
2. Jagwar
3. Quebecois
4. Iroko

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The Ultima Handicap Chase is one of the most competitive staying handicap races at the Cheltenham Festival. Run over three miles and one furlong at Cheltenham Racecourse, the race attracts a large field of experienced staying chasers.

This Premier Handicap often produces dramatic finishes as runners battle up the famous Cheltenham hill. Because the field is typically packed with well-handicapped horses, it is often one of the toughest races of the Festival to predict.

The 2026 renewal looks another strong contest with several runners bringing solid handicap form into the race.

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Blow Your Wad – Step Up in Trip Could Suit

Trainer: Gary Moore
Jockey: Freddie Mitchell

One of the most interesting contenders in the race is Blow Your Wad, who arrives after finishing a close second over a shorter distance.

The eight-year-old stayed on strongly that day over 2m4f, suggesting that a step back up in trip could play perfectly to his strengths.

The longer distance of the Ultima should allow him to use his stamina late in the race, particularly on the demanding Cheltenham finish. If building on his recent performance, he could be very dangerous from his current mark.

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Jagwar – Leading Contender

Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero
Jockey: Mark Walsh

One of the favourites for the race is Jagwar, who won the Plate at Cheltenham last season.

He has continued to run well this season, finishing placed on his last two starts. The move up to this longer distance could unlock further improvement.

Importantly, he already has Cheltenham Festival-winning form, which is often a major advantage in big-field handicaps.

If he stays the extra distance, he could be extremely difficult to beat.

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Quebecois – Interesting Stayer

Trainer: Paul Nicholls
Jockey: Harry Cobden

Another runner worth considering is Quebecois, who looks likely to appreciate the return to a longer trip.

His best performance over hurdles came over three miles, suggesting stamina is one of his key strengths.

The Nicholls yard often targets major handicaps at the Festival, and the seven-year-old could still be improving over fences.

At double-figure odds, he looks a solid each-way option.

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Iroko – High-Class Performer

Trainer: Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero

Iroko carries top weight in the race but has the class to be competitive.

The eight-year-old won a competitive graduation chase at Ascot earlier in the season and has consistently run well in strong company.

However, giving weight to the entire field in a demanding handicap over this distance will not be easy.

If coping with the burden, he could still run a big race.

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Other Contenders

Several other runners have realistic chances in a race that traditionally produces surprises.

Hyland has a strong record at Cheltenham and could be dangerous if rediscovering his best form.

Handstands is another interesting runner, having won a Grade 1 novice chase last season. If returning to that level of performance, he could outrun his odds.

Johnnywho also deserves respect after finishing close in the Kim Muir at last year’s Festival.

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Race Tactics

The Ultima is usually run at a solid pace, with several runners competing for early position.

Because of the long distance, stamina is a crucial factor. Horses that conserve energy early before producing a strong late challenge often perform best.

Jumping accuracy is also vital, as mistakes over the large Cheltenham fences can quickly ruin a horse’s chances in a race of this nature.

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Verdict

The 2026 Ultima Handicap Chase looks another fiercely competitive staying handicap.

Blow Your Wad could be the horse to side with, particularly with the step back up in trip expected to suit his running style.

Jagwar looks the biggest threat given his proven Cheltenham form, while Quebecois appeals as a strong each-way candidate with stamina likely to play a key role.

With a big field and plenty of improving runners, another thrilling finish looks likely in this Cheltenham Festival handicap.

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Cheltenham 3:20 – Final Tips

Best Bet: Blow Your Wad
Danger: Jagwar
Each-Way: Quebecois

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