Mares’ Chase Tips 2026 – Cheltenham 2:40 Preview & Best Bets

⭐ Mares' Chase Best Bets

⭐ WIN: Dinoblue Bet this tip at Betfred

⭐ MAIN DANGER: Panic Attack

⭐ VALUE BET: Diva Luna
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⭐ OUTSIDER: Spindleberry

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⭐ Top Cheltenham Betting Offers

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Race Overview

The Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase is a Grade 2 contest run over 2m4½f on the New Course at Cheltenham and often features some of the best female chasers in training.

Since its introduction to the Cheltenham Festival, the race has frequently been dominated by Willie Mullins-trained runners, and the champion Irish trainer looks to hold another strong hand in the 2026 renewal.

This year’s race features the defending champion Dinoblue, alongside progressive rivals such as Panic Attack, Diva Luna, and Spindleberry.

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⭐ Main Selection – Dinoblue

Dinoblue sets a very strong standard in this race and looks the one they all have to beat.

The Willie Mullins-trained mare finished runner-up in the race in 2024 before returning last year to land the prize in impressive fashion. She has continued to improve over fences and arrives at Cheltenham in excellent form.

Key positives include:

• Previous Cheltenham Festival winner
• Highest rating in the field
• Strong record at the trip
• Represents the powerful Mullins stable

If producing her best form again, Dinoblue looks extremely difficult to beat.

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⚠️ Main Danger – Panic Attack

Panic Attack has been one of the most progressive mares in training this season.

The Dan Skelton-trained runner completed a notable handicap double earlier in the campaign and has continued to improve with each run over fences.

She handles Cheltenham well and could pose a serious challenge to the favourite if the race develops into a strong test.

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💰 Value Bet – Diva Luna

Diva Luna is a particularly interesting contender after winning both of her starts over fences in convincing style.

The Ben Pauling-trained mare remains relatively unexposed as a chaser and it is still unclear where her ceiling lies.

With two easy victories already under her belt, she could be capable of stepping up again in class.

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🐎 Outsider to Watch – Spindleberry

Spindleberry had been unbeaten in five starts over fences before pulling up in the Irish Gold Cup on her latest appearance.

That run can easily be forgiven given the much stronger opposition, and a return to mares-only company could see her bounce back.

Her previous chase form suggests she is capable of being competitive here.

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Other Contenders

Only By Night
Last year’s Arkle runner-up who has shown solid form this season and could be competitive at a price.

July Flower
A Grade 2 winner at Cheltenham earlier in the season but may need a career-best performance here.

Telepathique
Consistent performer who finished second to Spindleberry earlier in the season and could run into a place.

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Predicted Finishing Order

1. Dinoblue
2. Panic Attack
3. Diva Luna
4. Spindleberry

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Final Verdict

The Mares' Chase looks set to revolve around the defending champion Dinoblue, who arrives with the strongest overall form and a proven record at Cheltenham.

However, Panic Attack and Diva Luna both represent progressive rivals who could make this a competitive contest.

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Best Bets Summary

⭐ WIN: Dinoblue
💰 VALUE: Diva Luna
⚠️ DANGER: Panic Attack
🐎 EACH WAY: Spindleberry

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