Queen Mother Champion Chase Preview: Cheltenham, 11 March 2026
The BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham on Good To Soft ground shapes as a contest where recent form and proven record at the track will matter. With ten runners in this Grade 1 two-mile test, the field is competitive, and several runners carry genuine claims based on their Form Expert credentials.
The Selection: L'Eau Du Sud
L'Eau Du Sud stands out as the most complete package for these exact conditions. His Form Expert record on Good To Soft turf is outstanding: 2 wins from 2 runs. At Cheltenham specifically, he owns 2 wins from 3 runs, and over the trip (under two miles two furlongs), he has 5 wins from 8 runs. In Grade 1 company, he has posted 4 wins from 7 runs. With a RaceMetrics Combined Score of 1532 and only 95 days since his last run, he arrives fresh enough while maintaining sharp form. Dan Skelton's yard and Harry Skelton in the saddle complete a well-oiled combination. At 6.00, he represents genuine value in a race where the market favourite carries shorter odds.
The Dangers
Il Etait Temps commands respect as the highest-rated runner on RaceMetrics (H Rating: 1622) and boasts a 7-win record from 10 starts at this trip or shorter. His Form Expert shows 1 win from 2 runs on Good To Soft ground and 6 wins from 9 in Grade 1 company. However, he has not won at Cheltenham (0 from 1), and a recent fall three starts ago raises minor concerns about consistency. At 4.33, he is fairly priced.
Majborough arrives as the market favourite (1.83) with the second-highest combined score (1564) and a strong record: 4 wins from 7 runs at the trip and 3 wins from 6 in Grade 1 company. He boasts 1 win from 2 on Good To Soft ground. The caveat: he is untested at Cheltenham in this race (0 wins from 1 run). His 38-day layoff sits mid-range in the field, suggesting readiness, but his failure to win here previously is a notable gap.
At A Price
Found A Fifty at 29.00 deserves consideration. He carries the fourth-highest combined score (1553) and boasts an exceptional record at the trip: 8 wins from 16 runs, with 7 of those in Grade 1 company. In Grade 1 chases under two miles two furlongs, he is genuinely proven. The downside: 0 wins from 3 on Good To Soft turf and 0 from 2 at Cheltenham. His 11-day layoff is short, and recent beaten-favourite finishes suggest form may be fragile, but the odds offer value if he rediscovers his best.
Verdict
L'Eau Du Sud to win at 6.00. His perfect record on these exact conditions, proven Cheltenham form, and Grade 1 credentials make him the standout selection in a race where the favourites face legitimate question marks.
