The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival is one of the most unique races of the week. Run over 3 miles and 6 furlongs on Cheltenham’s Cross Country course, it’s a true test of stamina, jumping ability, and tactical awareness. This race has become a crucial trial for the Grand National, with past winners such as Tiger Roll and Delta Work going on to glory at Aintree.
📊 Key Trends & Winning Profile
✅ Market Leaders Dominate: The front two in the betting have finished 1st & 2nd in the last five renewals.
✅ Age Matters: 11 of the last 13 winners were aged 10 or younger.
✅ Course Form Essential: 15 of the last 19 winners had previously run over Cheltenham’s Cross Country fences.
✅ Graded Form Counts: 12 of the last 14 winners had contested a Graded race.
✅ Cross Country Experience: 17 of the last 19 winners had run on a Cross Country course before.
✅ Limited Runs Over These Fences: 11 of the last 14 winners had no more than 5 previous Cross Country runs.
✅ Elliott Dominance: Gordon Elliott has trained 6 of the last 7 winners.
✅ Gigginstown Factor: 6 of the last 9 winners were owned by Gigginstown.
✅ GB Struggles: No British-trained horse has finished in the top three since 2018.
✅ Headgear & Tongue Ties: 6 of the last 8 winners wore headgear, while all of the last 9 Irish-trained winners wore tongue ties.
🏆 Recent Winners & Trends Analysis
| Year | Form | Winner | Age | OR | SP | Trainer | Jockey | Last Race |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | N/A | Abandoned | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2023 | 136 | Delta Work | 10 | 159 | 11/10F | G Elliott | K Donoghue | 6th Boyne Hurdle (46) |
| 2022 | 466 | Delta Work | 9 | 160 | 5/2F | G Elliott | J Kennedy | 6th Irish Gold Cup (39) |
| 2021 | P6 | Tiger Roll | 11 | 166 | 9/2 | D Foster (Elliott) | K Donoghue | 6th Boyne Hurdle (24) |
| 2020 | 1111 | Easysland | 6 | 152 | 3/1 | D Cottin (FRA) | J Plouganou | 1st Pau Listed Chase (38) |
| 2019 | 41 | Tiger Roll | 9 | 159 | 5/4F | G Elliott | K Donoghue | 1st Boyne Hurdle (24) |
🔍 Key Takeaways:
✅ Gordon Elliott’s runners dominate this race – Delta Work and Tiger Roll have won 4 of the last 5 runnings.
✅ The Boyne Hurdle at Navan is a key prep race – multiple winners have prepped there before success at Cheltenham.
✅ The front two in the betting have dominated recent years.
✅ Irish-trained horses are dominant – no British-trained horse has been placed since 2018.
✅ Graded form and Cheltenham Cross Country experience are crucial.
🎯 Expert Verdict: Who to Bet On?
✅ Prioritize Irish-trained runners – No British horse has made the frame since 2018.
✅ Back runners with proven Cheltenham Cross Country form – Most winners have placed or won here before.
✅ Follow Gordon Elliott & Gigginstown horses – Their domination in this race continues.
✅ Favourites perform well – The front two in the market have dominated recent years.
📈 Best Bets for Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase 2025 – Top Selections
| 🏇 Horse | 📉 Odds | 🎯 Trainer | 🔥 Age | 📊 OR | ⭐ RPR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stumptown | 11/4 | Gavin Cromwell | 8 | 157 | 162 |
| Galvin | 4/1 | Gordon Elliott | 11 | 154 | 165 |
| Mister Coffey | 15/2 | Nicky Henderson | 10 | 143 | 163 |
| Vanillier | 8/1 | Gavin Cromwell | 10 | 147 | 168 |
| Busselton | 15/2 | Joseph O’Brien | 8 | 138 | 157 |
| Iceo Madrik | 12/1 | D Cottin | 7 | 130 | 151 |
✅ Stumptown (11/4)
- ✅ Trained by Gavin Cromwell – proven record in big races.
- ✅ Keith Donoghue has won this race multiple times.
- ✅ Strong recent Cross Country form – perfect preparation.
- ✅ Age (8) fits the winning profile.
💪 Verdict: Leading contender – market leader dominance trend applies here.
✅ Galvin (4/1)
- ✅ Gordon Elliott’s main runner – trainer dominance applies.
- ✅ Jack Kennedy aboard – top big-race jockey.
- ✅ Second to Delta Work in 2023 – proven over course and trip.
- ✅ Grade 1 winner – class edge over most rivals.
💪 Verdict: Main threat to the favourite – solid each-way option.
✅ Mister Coffey (15/2)
- ✅ Nicky Henderson-trained – improving Cross Country profile.
- ✅ Cheltenham Festival placed – proven course form.
- ✅ Classy horse dropping into calmer waters.
💪 Verdict: Each-way potential if adapting to this test.
✅ Vanillier (8/1)
- ✅ Trained by Gavin Cromwell – strong Cross Country record.
- ✅ Proven stamina over 3m+ – stays all day.
- ✅ Strong Grade 1 form – potential big improver.
💪 Verdict: Stays well, strong finisher – dangerous late on.
✅ Busselton (15/2)
- ✅ Joseph O’Brien-trained – respected connections.
- ✅ Strong Graded form.
- ✅ Lightly raced over Cross Country fences – scope to improve.
💪 Verdict: Potential improver – respected for place claims.
🚫 Runners to Avoid
❌ Latenightpass – 12 years old – outside ideal age profile.
❌ Chambard – 13 years old – no horse older than 11 has won since 2005.
❌ The Goffer – Rating of 137 is low for this race.
❌ Gevrey – Poor recent form – unlikely to compete.
💰 Each-Way Value
➡️ Mister Coffey (15/2) – Proven Festival performer.
➡️ Vanillier (8/1) – Strong stayer, solid form.
➡️ Busselton (15/2) – Unexposed at this trip.
🔥 Best Trend Fit: Stumptown
✅ 8 years old.
✅ Proven Cheltenham form.
✅ Gordon Elliott factor.
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