2025 Denman Chase Tips - Moore's star can leave the Newbury patrons rejoicing

Jon Vine

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Last updated: 06 Feb 2025

Jon Vine 06 Feb 2025

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Odds and predictions for the 2025 Denman Chase
This Grade Two takes place at Newbury on Saturday 8th February
Le Patron is our selection at 6/1

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David Noonan riding Le Patron (yellow/purple) clear the last to win The Betfair Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown. (Getty)

The first of two Grade Twos on William Hill Handicap Hurdle day at Newbury is the Denman Chase. This three-mile chase is named after a former winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup and it's Denman's former trainer, Paul Nicholls' who will saddle the favourite ahead of Saturday's renewal.

Here's our free guide to the 2025 Denman Chase, including our best betting tips.

2025 Denman Chase Odds

Name	Odds
Bravemansgame	2/1
Djelo	7/2
Hitman	11/2
Le Patron	6/1
Ga Law	13/2
Bar	11/1

2025 Denman Chase Entries

Bravemansgame heads the market for this year's Denman Chase. Paul Nicholls' ten-year-old hasn't won a race since claiming King George glory in 2022. Harry Cobden's mount - who is three-from-three around Newbury - will likely run in this Grade Two before heading on to the Grand National at Aintree.

Venetia Williams' Peterborough Chase winner Djelo could line up in opposition, despite a lengthy defeat to Protektorat on his first start beyond two-and-a-half miles at Windsor. Jamie Snowden could also step Ga Law up in trip, having found two-and-a-half too sharp on his last outing in the December Gold Cup.

Le Patron began this season with an impressive handicap victory here at Newbury and Gary Moore's former Grade One winner is unexposed over staying distances. As is Richard Hobson's Fugitif, who was last seen placing third at Cheltenham as he attempted to retain his December Gold Cup crown.

Paul Nicholls has also handed an entry to Hitman, but could wait until Ascot Chase day to run his nine-year-old. Eldorado Allen, who beat Hitman to win this race in 2022, is a likely runner for Joe Tizzard. Fellow veteran, Sam Brown completes the early betting.

2025 Denman Chase Tips

I've always been a big supporter of Bravemansgame. I backed him when he won his King George and in the Gold Cup that season. I've backed him in the last two Charlie Halls. He's been a brilliant horse for connections. Yet, the sad fact is that Bravemansgame is in sharp decline, Paul Nicholls has been open about that, and the market leader hasn't won any of his last ten starts.

Djelo remains a staying chaser on the up, but he was soundly thrashed by Protektorat at Windsor, where he didn't seem to relish the 22-furlong trip. I'm amazed to see Hitman sitting third in the market, considering he's yet to win any of his 19 starts in Graded races.

The highlight of an otherwise forgettable season for Gary Moore came here at Newbury in November. LE PATRON (6/1) was friendless in the market ahead of that Class 2 handicap, but went on to produce a dominant performance, surging into the lead between the final two flights before booting seven lengths clear of some classy handicappers.

David Noonan's mount didn't get enough credit for his Grade One victory in the Henry VIII Novices' Chase last term. Maybe that's because Le Patron failed to build on that shock win, having struggled behind Nickle Back in the Scilly Isles before pulling up in the Turners at Cheltenham.

Moore may regret sending Le Patron back to Prestbury Park for the December Gold Cup this season. Freddie Mitchell's mount never got into any sort of rhythm and finished tailed off, some 32-lengths adrift of Gemirande.

Le Patron jumped and travelled superbly well here at Newbury in November, on similar ground to what he'll likely face on Saturday. None of his family have ever been tried over three miles, but his sire, Balko has produced plenty of top-quality stayers and a lack of genuine pace should set this contest up nicely for a fast finisher like Le Patron. He's the one I'm most keen to back.

Live Stream

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Verdict

2025 Denman Chase

Le Patron is our best bet in the 2025 Denman Chase.

Le Patron

2025 Denman Chase Tips

@6/1 - 5 Units

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