Cheltenham Festival 2025: Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase Preview

The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase, a unique spectacle at the Cheltenham Festival, is set to take place at 3:20 PM on Day Two, Wednesday, 12th March 2025. This race offers a distinct challenge, featuring a 3-mile and 6-furlong course laden with an eclectic mix of obstacles that test both horse and rider’s agility, stamina, and perhaps their sense of adventure.  Many of the leading UK bookmakers such as Ladbrokes are offering a wide range of offers on this race, such as enhanced prices, price boosts and free bets.

Cheltenham Festival 2025: Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase Preview – 3:20pm

Register with any of our featured UK betting sites for the latest promotions including free bets, enhanced places and price boosts on the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase.

A Brief History and the Quirks of the Course:

Introduced to the Festival in 2005, the Cross Country Chase has carved out its niche, attracting horses that thrive on unconventional courses. The track meanders through the infield of the Cheltenham racecourse, presenting a variety of fences, ditches, banks, and even a cheese rolling hill (just kidding about the cheese). This race is not merely about speed but about adaptability and the horse’s willingness to tackle the unexpected—much like navigating a British roundabout for the first time.

The Contenders:

Let’s delve into the runners and riders for this year’s race, along with their best odds as of 12th March 2025:

• Stumptown (5/2): The favourite, Stumptown, has shown a particular affinity for cross-country courses. With a recent victory at Punchestown and a win at Cheltenham before Christmas, he seems to have found his calling. His versatility regarding ground conditions and the application of cheekpieces suggest connections are leaving no stone unturned.  
• Galvin (7/2): Once a prominent figure in Grade 1 chases, Galvin has transitioned to the cross-country sphere. At 11 years old, some might question his ability to keep up with younger legs, but his class and experience cannot be dismissed.  
• Busselton (15/2): This consistent performer has been knocking on the door in various staying chases. His adaptability and solid jumping make him a credible contender in this unorthodox event. 
• Mister Coffey (8/1): Often the bridesmaid, Mister Coffey has a knack for placing without winning. His tendency to run on when the race is over makes him an attractive option for those considering place bets.  
• Vanillier (8/1): Sporting blinkers for the first time, Vanillier aims to sharpen his focus. A former Grade 1 winner, his recent form has been patchy, but the change in headgear could rekindle his enthusiasm.  
• Latenightpass (12/1): Known for his exploits in hunter chases, Latenightpass brings a wealth of experience in navigating tricky courses. His stamina and jumping prowess make him a dark horse in this contest.
• The Goffer (16/1): A younger contender with potential, The Goffer has shown promise in novice chases. This step up in trip and the unique test of the cross-country course will be a significant challenge.
• Chemical Energy (20/1): An enigmatic character, Chemical Energy’s performances have been inconsistent. If he takes to the course, he could outrun his odds, but that’s a big ‘if’. 
• Iwilldoit (22/1): A horse that lives up to his name, Iwilldoit has a relentless galloping style. His stamina is his forte, and if the race turns into a slog, he could be there at the finish. 
• Coko Beach (25/1): This grey warrior has been a stalwart in staying chases. His jumping can be sketchy at times, which might be his undoing on this intricate course. 
• Roi Mage (25/1): A French import with experience over similar courses, Roi Mage could spring a surprise if he adapts well to the Cheltenham terrain. 
• Escaria Ten (33/1): Once touted as a future star, Escaria Ten has lost his way. A return to form would be a fairy tale, but punters should be cautious.
• French Dynamite (66/1): An unpredictable sort, French Dynamite has the talent but lacks consistency. He’s as likely to win by a distance as he is to refuse at the first fence.
• Gevrey (66/1): A seasoned handicapper, Gevrey’s best days seem behind him. Participation alone is commendable, but expectations are modest.
• Minella Crooner (66/1): A novice with potential, Minella Crooner is taking a significant leap in class. The experience will be invaluable, but victory seems a stretch.
• Chambard (70/1): The rank outsider, Chambard’s inclusion adds to the field’s diversity. A win would be monumental, but even the most optimistic supporters might struggle to justify backing him.

Race Dynamics and Strategy:

The Cross Country Chase is as much about tactics as it is about ability. Horses familiar with the idiosyncrasies of the course hold a distinct advantage. Stumptown’s recent form over similar layouts positions him well, but the presence of seasoned campaigners like Galvin adds depth to the competition.

Pace judgment is crucial. An overly enthusiastic gallop can lead to early exhaustion, while a cautious approach might result in getting caught behind the inevitable mid-race chaos. Jockeys with experience in cross-country races often excel, understanding when to make their move and when to conserve energy.

Betting Insights:

As of 12th March 2025, the betting markets reflect the wide-open nature of the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase:

• Stumptown – 5/2
• Galvin – 7/2
• Busselton – 15/2
• Mister Coffey – 8/1
• Vanillier – 8/1
• Latenightpass – 12/1
• The Goffer – 16/1
• Chemical Energy – 20/1
• Iwilldoit – 22/1
• Coko Beach – 25/1
• Roi Mage – 25/1
• Escaria Ten – 33/1
• French Dynamite – 66/1
• Gevrey – 66/1
• Minella Crooner – 66/1
• Chambard – 70/1

Given the unpredictable nature of this race, punters looking for value may be tempted by horses priced in double figures, particularly those with proven stamina and experience in cross-country events.

Trainer and Jockey Considerations:

The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase has traditionally been dominated by trainers such as Enda Bolger and Gordon Elliott, both of whom have an impressive track record in these unique races. Elliott, in particular, has multiple runners in the field, and his Galvin and Chemical Energy are expected to be major players.

On the jockey front, Derek O’Connor and Jamie Codd—both masters of these long-distance, tactical races—often get the call in cross-country events. If either is booked on a well-fancied horse, it may be worth taking note.

Ground Conditions and Their Impact:

With Cheltenham’s notoriously changeable weather, ground conditions can have a major impact on the race. If the going turns soft or heavy, stayers like Iwilldoit or Vanillier could come into the equation. On the other hand, if the ground remains good to soft, speedier types like Busselton and Stumptown may benefit.

Predicted Race Outcome:

If all goes to plan, Stumptown looks like the most solid choice based on recent form and course experience. Galvinremains a huge threat if he can roll back the years, while Vanillier could be a lively contender if he takes well to the obstacles. For those searching for each-way value, Latenightpass and Iwilldoit seem appealing at bigger prices.

One thing is for certain—this will be a race full of drama, thrills, and probably a few gasps as horses navigate the banks, ditches, and hedges. Whether you’re backing a seasoned campaigner or a wildcard outsider, the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase never fails to deliver a spectacle.

And if all else fails, at least we can all raise a glass of Glenfarclas whisky to toast another fantastic race at the Cheltenham Festival.