The Pertemps Handicap Hurdle Final is one of the most competitive races at the Cheltenham Festival. Known for being a “plot race,” trainers often use clever tactics to ensure their horse qualifies without compromising their handicap mark. This race regularly throws up big-priced winners, as staying power, shrewd campaigning, and the ability to peak at the right time are all key factors.
📊 Key Trends & Winning Profile
✅ Recent Form Matters: 🔥 No winner this century had their final prep run at Cheltenham.
✅ Experience Level: 🏇 Only 3 of the last 13 winners had more than 10 hurdle runs.
✅ Qualifiers Are Key: 🇮🇪 7 of the last 8 Irish-trained winners ran in the Leopardstown Qualifier.
✅ Winning a Qualifier Isn’t a Positive: ❌ Only 2 of the last 26 winners had actually won a qualifier.
✅ Weight & Ratings: 💪 12 of the last 14 winners were rated 138+, but none above 152 unless a previous winner.
✅ Age Profile: 🎯 12 of the last 13 winners were aged 6 to 8.
✅ JP McManus Effect: 👑 He loves to lay one out for this race.
✅ Tongue Tie Factor: 👅 8 of the last 9 winners wore a tongue tie.
✅ Favourites’ Struggles: 🚫 No beaten favourite last time out has won this century.
✅ No Course Form: ❌ Only 3 winners this century had previously won at Cheltenham.
✅ Winning Distance: 🏁 Stayers do well, but only 8 of the last 12 winners had 3m form before this.
🏇 Recent Winners & Trends Analysis
| Year | Winner | Age | OR | SP | Trainer | Jockey | Last Race |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Monmiral | 7 | 138 | 25/1 | P Nicholls | H Cobden | 4th in Chepstow 3m Qualifier (19 days prior) |
| 2023 | Good Time Jonny | 8 | 142 | 9/1 | A J Martin | L McKenna (5) | 12th in Leopardstown Qualifier (39 days prior) |
| 2022 | Third Wind | 8 | 141 | 25/1 | H Morrison | T O’Brien | 3rd in Haydock G2 (26 days prior) |
| 2021 | Mrs Milner | 6 | 134 | 12/1 | P Nolan | B Cooper | Fell in Leopardstown Qualifier (39 days prior) |
| 2020 | Sire du Berlais | 8 | 152 | 10/1 | G Elliott | B Geraghty | 4th in Warwick Qualifier (61 days prior) |
| 2019 | Sire du Berlais | 7 | 145 | 4/1F | G Elliott | B Geraghty | 6th in Leopardstown Qualifier (76 days prior) |
📈 Best Bets for Pertemps Handicap Hurdle 2025 – Top Selections
✅ Jeriko Du Reponet (11/2)
✅ Consistent in high-class handicaps this season.
✅ Placed 3rd at Exeter over 2m7f in a competitive field.
✅ BHA rating of 135 — fits the winning profile.
✅ From the powerful Nicky Henderson yard.
💪 Verdict: Solid, consistent form and progressive profile — big chance.
✅ Will The Wise (7/1)
✅ Trained by Gavin Cromwell — Irish dominance in this race.
✅ Strong recent form over 2m6½f.
✅ Rating of 134 — ideal winning range.
✅ Keith Donoghue rides — solid booking.
💪 Verdict: Perfect profile for this race — strong contender.
✅ Win Some Lose Some (8/1)
✅ Trained by Padraig Roche — strong Irish connections.
✅ Placed over 3 miles — proven stamina.
✅ Rating of 138 — within winning range.
💪 Verdict: Solid form and ideal profile — big player.
✅ Feet Of A Dancer (10/1)
✅ Trained by Paul Nolan — knows how to target this race.
✅ Strong recent form over 2m6½f.
✅ Rating of 136 — competitive mark.
💪 Verdict: Proven stamina and ideal profile — strong each-way value.
✅ D Art D Art (12/1)
✅ Finished 2nd at Carlisle over 3m1f — strong staying form.
✅ Rating of 136 — within winning range.
✅ From the Thomas Cooper yard — shrewd target placement.
💪 Verdict: Strong form and perfect trip — dangerous at a price.
✅ Catch Him Derry (16/1)
✅ Trained by Dan Skelton — top handicap trainer.
✅ Won at Exeter over 2m7f — ideal trial.
✅ Low weight (129) — potential to outperform rating.
💪 Verdict: Improving horse with a strong chance of placing.
🚫 Runners to Avoid
❌ Henri The Second (20/1) – Rare for an 8-year-old to win this.
❌ Lucky Lyreen (20/1) – Poor recent form.
❌ American Sniper (80/1) – Rating too low and exposed.
❌ Thomas Mor (50/1) – Too exposed — better handicapped runners available.
❌ Karl Des Tourelles (20/1) – 5-year-olds struggle in this race.
💰 Each-Way Value
➡️ Feet Of A Dancer (10/1) – Proven stamina, right trainer.
➡️ Catch Him Derry (16/1) – Could improve significantly.
➡️ Jeriko Du Reponet (11/2) – Profile fits like a glove.
🔥 Best Trend Fit: Jeriko Du Reponet
✅ Strong recent form.
✅ Consistent in high-class handicaps.
✅ From a leading trainer with Cheltenham-winning form.
🏆 Top Selection: Jeriko Du Reponet – Best profile fit and ideal OR.
💼 Best Each-Way Bet: Feet Of A Dancer – Irish-trained and well-handicapped.
🚀 Dark Horse: D Art D Art – Recent form + ideal age profile.