Ruby Walsh 2023 Champion Chase Tip: And It's NOT Energumene

Ruby Walsh has revealed his 2023 Champion Chase tip ahead of the big day two Cheltenham Festival race. See who the former top jockey is siding with below – oh, and it’s not the Willie Mullins-trained favourite Energumene.

Ruby Walsh Cheltenham Tip For 2023 Champion Chase

Cheltenham Champion Chase Tip: EDWARDSTONE @ 7/4 with Virgin Bet

Despite still having strong links with the Willie Mullins yard, Ruby Walsh feels their Energumene is worth taking on in the Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

The day two showcase race (Weds 15th March) has seen last year’s winner Energumene head the betting for much of the season. However, it’s a tight betting heat with last year’s Arkle winner EDWARDSTONE only just behind as second favourite.

It’s this Alan King-trained horse that Ruby Walsh feels has the best chance of winning the 2023 Champion Chase. Ruby told his Paddy Power blog followers that he expects Edwardstone to be ridden a bit differently than in recent races.

“I could see Tom Cannon going back to riding Edwardstone like he rode him in last year’s Arkle rather than the way he’s ridden him twice this year. He dropped him in behind in the Tingle Creek, he dropped him in behind in the Clarence House but he rode him third or fourth just behind the pace in last year’s Arkle. I can see him reverting to those tactics.”

“That will mean Energumene could be behind him throughout the race and that makes it very interesting. To me, Edwardstone enhanced his reputation – despite getting narrowly beaten – on Trials Day at Cheltenham”

Ruby also feels the likely drier ground will be more in Edwardstone’s favour, while with two clear front runners in Editeur Du Gite and Gentleman De Mee, this could set things up nicely for Ruby’s best bet.

Arkle Winners Have a Great Champion Chase Record

Arkle winners also have a top record in the Champion Chase – 7 of the last 12 Arkle winners (from the previous season) to run have won (58%).

He expects a good run from Gentleman De Mee too, who won the Ladbroke Dublin Chase last time, but Edwardstone is taken to give Alan King his second win in the Champion Chase, having won it in 2007 with Voy Por Ustedes.

You can back Edwardstone at Cheltenham odds of @ 7/4 for the Champion Chase with Virgin Bet.

Latest Cheltenham Champion Chase Betting Odds with Virgin Bet

• Energumene 6/4
• Edwardstone 7/4
• Blue Lord 7/1
• Gentleman De Mee 8/1
• Nube Negra 18/1
• Greaneteen 22/1
• 28/1 Bar

Odds correct 27th Feb, but subject to change.