Cheltenham Festival 2025: Grand Annual Handicap Chase Preview

The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase, affectionately known as the Grand Annual, is set to electrify the Cheltenham Festival on Wednesday, 12th March 2025, at 4:40 PM. As the Festival’s oldest race, established in 1834, it has a rich history of thrilling finishes and unexpected twists, much like trying to assemble flat-pack furniture without the instructions. Visit leading bookmaker William Hill and check out the best betting odds and free bet offers for the penultimate Day Two contest.

Cheltenham Festival 2025: Grand Annual Handicap Chase Preview – 4:40pm

Register with any of our featured UK betting sites for the latest promotions including free bets, enhanced places and price boosts on the penultimate race on Day Two.

Race Overview:

This Grade 3 handicap chase spans 2 miles and 62 yards, demanding a blend of speed, precision jumping, and tactical acumen. With a maximum field of 20 runners—reduced for safety reasons—the race is renowned for its competitive nature, often leading to photo finishes that leave punters biting their nails and clutching their betting slips like cherished heirlooms.

Leading Contenders and Odds:

As of 12th March 2025, the top contenders and their best available odds are:

• Unexpected Party – 6/1
• My Mate Mozzie – 7/1
• Jazzy Matty – 7/1
• JPR One – 8/1
• Primoz – 9/1
• So Scottish – 12/1
• American Mike – 14/1
• Traprain Law – 14/1
• Dancing On My Own – 18/1
• General Medrano – 18/1
• Midnight It Is – 18/1
• The King Of Prs – 18/1

In-Depth Look at some Contenders:

• Unexpected Party (6/1):
  Trained by Dan Skelton, Unexpected Party has been the life of the racing circuit, consistently delivering performances that keep spectators on the edge of their seats. His recent form suggests he’s ready to crash this Grand Annual party and perhaps leave with more than just a party favour.
• My Mate Mozzie (7/1):
  This Irish raider, hailing from Gavin Cromwell’s yard, has shown a zest for the two-mile chase scene. With a turn of foot that could outpace a caffeinated cheetah, he’s a serious contender to watch.
• Jazzy Matty (7/1):
  A horse with a name that sounds like he should be headlining at a jazz club, Jazzy Matty has been hitting all the right notes on the track. His rhythm and pace make him a strong candidate to jazz up the winner’s enclosure.
• JPR One (8/1):
  Trained by Colin Tizzard, JPR One has been schooling his rivals with lessons in speed and agility. If he brings his A-game, he could very well graduate to the top of the class in this contest.
• So Scottish (12/1):
  Despite the name, this Emmet Mullins-trained gelding isn’t just popular north of Hadrian’s Wall. His consistent performances have made him a favourite among punters, and he’s poised to put in a Braveheart-esque performance.
• American Mike (14/1):
  No need to check your passport; American Mike is very much an Irish horse from Gordon Elliott’s stable. His transatlantic name aside, he’s been making waves locally and could very well declare independence in this race.
• Traprain Law (14/1):
  A horse that lays down the law on the track, Traprain Law has been enforcing his will in recent outings. Whether he can uphold order in the chaotic Grand Annual remains to be seen.
• General Medrano (18/1):
  Leading his troops into battle, General Medrano has shown strategic prowess in his races. A well-executed campaign could see him victorious on this grand stage.
• Midnight It Is (18/1):
  This runner has been creeping up quietly, much like midnight itself. With stealthy progress and a penchant for late-night heroics, he could surprise the early birds.
• The King Of Prs (18/1):
  With a moniker that suggests royalty, this Gavin Cromwell trainee has been ruling the mid-tier chases. A step up here could see him ascend the throne, or at least nab a place on the podium.

Race Dynamics and Strategies:

The Grand Annual is notorious for its frenetic pace and the premium it places on nimble jumping. Horses that can maintain composure amidst the cavalry charge often find themselves in contention as the field turns for home. Jockeys with experience in such high-octane environments will be looking to position their mounts strategically, avoiding the pitfalls that have tripped up many a hopeful in the past.

Trainer and Jockey Insights:

• Dan Skelton: Trainer of Unexpected Party, Skelton has a knack for preparing horses for the big occasion. His meticulous approach could see his charge ready to crash the winner’s party.
• Gavin Cromwell: With two strong contenders in My Mate Mozzie and The King Of Prs, Cromwell’s dual assault on the Grand Annual could yield rich rewards.
• Emmet Mullins: Trainer of So Scottish, Mullins has been making a name for himself with shrewd placements and surprise victories. His runner’s chances cannot be overlooked.

Betting Insights:

The current odds reflect a wide-open contest, with several horses vying for favouritism. Punters looking for value might consider each-way bets on runners like JPR One or The King Of Prs, both of whom have shown promise in competitive two-mile chases.

For those seeking a more speculative punt, American Mike (14/1) and Traprain Law (14/1) have the potential to outrun their odds, particularly if the race becomes a stamina test rather than an all-out speed duel.

Meanwhile, General Medrano (18/1) represents an intriguing outsider, especially if conditions favour strong finishers rather than front-runners.

Predicted Race Outcome

With such a competitive field, picking a winner is akin to choosing a favourite biscuit—everyone has a different opinion, and there’s always a wildcard option. However, based on recent form, race dynamics, and the trainer’s records, here’s how we see the 2025 Grand Annual unfolding:

1st – My Mate Mozzie (7/1)

A consistent performer who thrives in big-field races, Gavin Cromwell’s charge has the tactical speed and jumping ability required to land this contest. He has been knocking on the door in similar company and looks primed for a breakthrough win.

2nd – Unexpected Party (6/1)

The Skelton-trained favourite has all the tools to go close, but as the saying goes, “favourites have a poor record in the Grand Annual.” That said, if he avoids trouble and finds a rhythm, he’ll be in the mix at the business end.

3rd – So Scottish (12/1)

Mullins’ runner has been lightly campaigned, likely with this race in mind. His tactical versatility will serve him well, and if he gets a clear passage, he could be storming up the Cheltenham hill.

4th – JPR One (8/1)

Tizzard’s gelding has shown enough class in novice company to suggest he can take the step up here. While he may lack the experience of some seasoned handicappers, his potential makes him a strong each-way candidate.

Final Thoughts

The Grand Annual Handicap Chase has a habit of throwing up surprises, and 2025 looks set to be no different. Will the favourite Unexpected Party justify his market position, or will an Irish raider like My Mate Mozzie or So Scottishswoop in to claim victory?

With speed, jumping accuracy, and race positioning all crucial factors, the winner will likely be the horse that adapts best to the demands of this blisteringly fast two-mile test.

Regardless of the result, the Grand Annual will undoubtedly provide a heart-stopping, adrenaline-fuelled spectacle—the perfect way to cap off Day Two of the Cheltenham Festival.

Now, grab your racecards, study the form, and may the best jumper win!