The Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase (Friday 15 December) is run on the Cross County Course at Cheltenham, and is run over 3 miles 6 furlongs and 37 yards. Not all punters like this unique discipline but, as runners have to jump a variety of fences, it is a thrilling spectacle for those who do.
Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap – Major Trends
- Winners have been aged 7, 8, 11 and 12
- 5 of the last 6 winners carried 11-0 or more
- Irish trainer Enda Bolger has trained the winner of 3 of the 6 renewals
- JP McManus has owned 3 of the last 6 winners (all trained by Enda Bolger)
- Cantlow was the shortest-priced winner at 13/8
- Any Currency was the longest-priced winner at 8/1
Major Contenders
Josie’s Orders
Won this race in 2015 for Enda Bolger and JP McManus, after also being successful over course and distance the previous month. He then went on to win the big one at the Cheltenham Festival, taking his Cheltenham record to 3 from 3. Forced to miss the 2017 Cheltenham Festival, and beaten on all three starts this season, including narrowly at odds-on at Punchestown in November. Something to prove, but looks sure to be fit as he returns to his happiest hunting ground.
Kingswell Theatre
Rated as high as 142 over regulation fences in his prime, and seemed rejuvenated by this unique layout when leading from start to finish on his first attempt over them. Good chance he can improve again with that experience under his belt, and likely to go close.
Cantlow
Last year’s winner was trying to give 12lb to Kingswell Theatre when a respectable fourth here last time, and is 8lb better off for around 10-lengths. Had finished in the first three on his three previous visits, and could give punters a run for their money.
Vicomte Du Seuil
Finished ¾-length second to Kingswell Theatre last time, but is on identical terms this time around. That was the first time this French trained horse had run in England though, and both horse and jockey could be a lot wiser this time.
Mtada Supreme
Beat Josie’s Orders last time off level-weights, yet gets 15lb off that rival in this handicap. Still has plenty to prove though, including his stamina, and worth noting that he flopped in this race in 2015 when sent-off at 100/1.
Tiger Roll
Already 3 times a Cheltenham winner, including being the winner of the 4-mile National Hunt Chase at last year’s festival. Could easily take to this unique challenge, especially if the ground is good, and a fascinating challenger.
More Of That
Ran in last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, and is a former winner of the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Could easily outclass the opposition, though has to prove he takes to this unique test.
Our Betting Tip: Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap
Josie’s Order looks incredibly short with plenty to prove after three defeats, and the likes of Kingswell Theatre and Vicomte Du Seuil are preferred. However, More Of That and Tiger Roll are much better than the average runner in these cross country chases. Of the two, I just prefer More Of That, who is owned by JP McManus.
2017 Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase Tip: More Of That