Cheltenham Plate Handicap Chase 2026 Tips: 4:40 Preview & Best Bets

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Cheltenham 4:40 – Quick Tips

Best Bet: Down Memory Lane
Main Danger: Madara
Each-Way Value: McLaurey

Predicted Finish

1. Down Memory Lane
2. Madara
3. McLaurey
4. Downmexicoway

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The Cheltenham Plate Handicap Chase is one of the most competitive handicap races at the Cheltenham Festival. Run over approximately two miles and four furlongs at Cheltenham Racecourse, the race attracts a deep field of talented chasers.

With a large field and a demanding finish up the famous Cheltenham hill, the Plate often produces dramatic finishes and strong betting interest. Many runners arrive with progressive profiles over fences, making it a fascinating contest for punters.

The 2026 renewal looks particularly competitive, with several runners arriving in strong form.

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Down Memory Lane – Progressive Chaser

Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Jockey: Jack Kennedy

One of the most exciting runners in the field is Down Memory Lane, who has impressed in both of his chase victories.

The eight-year-old showed excellent jumping and travelling ability in those wins, suggesting he has plenty of potential over fences.

Importantly, his best days may still be ahead of him. The combination of a progressive profile and a strong Irish yard makes him a serious contender in this competitive handicap.

If continuing his improvement, he could prove difficult to beat.

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Madara – Proven Cheltenham Form

Trainer: Dan Skelton
Jockey: Harry Skelton

Another runner with strong claims is Madara, who brings valuable course form into the race.

The seven-year-old has performed well over this trip at Cheltenham previously and remains competitively handicapped.

His consistency and ability to handle the track make him a solid option in a race where course experience often proves crucial.

Given his strong record at the course, he is likely to be heavily involved at the finish.

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McLaurey – Interesting Each-Way Contender

Trainer: Emmet Mullins
Jockey: Mark Walsh

One of the more intriguing runners is McLaurey, who showed plenty of ability when winning a valuable handicap hurdle last season.

He still looks capable of improvement over fences, and the step up to this distance could bring out further progress.

The Mullins yard is known for targeting major handicaps at the Cheltenham Festival, which makes this runner particularly interesting.

At the current odds, he could represent good each-way value.

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Downmexicoway – Solid Chase Form

Trainer: Henry de Bromhead

Another runner worth noting is Downmexicoway, who has won two of his four starts over fences.

His most recent run came in a Grade 1 contest where he had little realistic chance, but returning to handicap company should give him a much better opportunity.

If bouncing back to his earlier chase form, he could be a serious contender.

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Other Notable Runners

Several other runners have realistic claims in a race that regularly produces surprises.

Zurich has been improving steadily since returning from a break and could still be ahead of the handicapper.

Will The Wise has solid form over a range of distances and could also run well in a strongly run race.

Meanwhile, No Questions Asked has already won twice over fences and could improve further with experience.

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Race Tactics

The Plate is typically run at a strong pace, with many runners competing for position early in the race.

Because of the large field and competitive nature of the handicap, horses that travel smoothly and jump accurately often perform best.

The uphill finish at Cheltenham also places a strong emphasis on stamina, making it important for runners to conserve energy early before producing a strong finish.

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Verdict

The 2026 Cheltenham Plate Handicap Chase looks another wide-open contest packed with improving chasers.

Down Memory Lane stands out as the most progressive runner in the field and could have the class to win a race of this nature.

Madara looks the biggest danger with his strong Cheltenham record, while McLaurey could be a very interesting each-way option with further improvement likely.

With a large field and several well-handicapped runners, another thrilling finish looks likely in this Cheltenham Festival handicap.

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Cheltenham 4:40 – Final Tips

Best Bet: Down Memory Lane
Danger: Madara
Each-Way: McLaurey

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