The Ultima Handicap Chase is one of the trickiest puzzles of the Festival — a three-mile handicap chase that has been won by everything from 33/1 shots to well-backed favourites. There's no reliable pattern to cling to, which makes this a punter's race where each-way bets come into their own.
Look for horses who've won at the Cheltenham track before, stay well over three miles, and can handle the undulations. Course form is king in this race. The weights were published mid-February and the market is still bedding in, so keep an eye on late market movers in the 48 hours before the race.
Ultima Handicap Chase Betting Strategy
- Each-way is the play — wide-open handicap, 5+ places available at most bookmakers
- Look for course winners — previous Cheltenham form is the strongest indicator
- Check for Best Odds Guaranteed — BOG essential in big-field handicaps where the SP can drift
Best Bookmaker Offers for Ultima Handicap Chase
Grab a free bet before backing your Ultima Handicap Chase selection. These are the best bookmaker offers available for Cheltenham 2026:
Editor's Choice
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18+ T&Cs Apply
New customers only. Min deposit £10. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.
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18+ T&Cs Apply
New UK customers only. Register using promo code BETFRED50. Deposit and place first bet of £10+ on Sports (cumulative Evens+) within 7 days. First bet must be on Sports. £50 in Free Bets credited within 48 hours. T&Cs apply.
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18+ T&Cs Apply
New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. Mobile exclusive. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. Free bet applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. 30 days to qualify. Free bets expire in 7 days. T&Cs apply.
New customers only. 18+. Min deposit and bet £10. Min odds Evs. Free bets credited on settlement of first qualifying bet. T&Cs apply.
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Cheltenham Bookmaker Comparison
| Bookmaker | Cheltenham Offer | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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bet365 | Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets | Claim › | |
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Betfred | Bet £10 Get £50 in Free Bets | Claim › | |
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BoyleSports | Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets | Claim › | |
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Livescore Bet | Bet £10 Get £20 in Free Bets | Claim › | |
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Kwiff | Bet £10 Get £10 Free Bet | Claim › |
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