December 13 / 15.00 Cheltenham

15.00

Soft

Glenfarclas Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £20812
  • 3m 5f 56y
  • Class 2
  • 15 runners
ITV
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Glenfarclas Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.00
  • Place: £2.30

Form: P3-U11 C

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 149

Form & Verdict
Ran very well in three of his four races over the conventional fences at this track; it was not his fault when he unseated in the 4m1f La Touche over the banks at Punchestown in May and he's scored over about 3m over that course on both starts since, so he is a major contender with a stamina test likely to suit as well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

Stumptown

11st 10lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Dual C&D winner last season, latterly when beating Latenightpass by 7l in this race (good to soft; first-time cheekpieces); seen only once this term, landing prestigious Velka Pardubicka cross-country chase in Czech Republic (4m2f, good; back in cheekpieces) in October, and has a lofty handicap mark to overcome but still commands respect; blinkers back on today.

11/4

10

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Stumptown

11st 2lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Cross-country chasing could hardly have gone better, which augurs well, as does his markedly improved form over 3m5f in the Cheltenham version on last two outings; spending the last third of it off the bridle at the Festival last month (with first-time cheekpieces; last season's blinkers now return) is a niggling worry, and slogging it out was a taxing as well as serious achievement, but he finished well on top and can race off the same mark today; on the shortlist.

10/1

10

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Stumptown

11st 2lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: Gavin Cromwell

Cross-country chasing could hardly have gone better, which augurs well, as does his markedly improved form over 3m5f in the Cheltenham version on last two outings; spending the last third of it off the bridle at the Festival last month (with first-time cheekpieces; last season's blinkers now return) is a niggling worry, and slogging it out was a taxing as well as serious achievement, but he finished well on top and can race off the same mark today; on the shortlist.

10/1

11/2

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 4263-2

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
0-14 over fences despite some big runs on occasions; never-nearer second of nine when he had his first crack at a C&D race four weeks ago, which was eyecatching if viewed in isolation and puts him in serious contention if repeated, but it would not be the greatest shock were that to prove a false dawn.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

8

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 91y

Class 5

17:16 Newbury

Mister Coffey

11st 12lb

J: Mr Daniel Williams

T: Nicky Henderson

A classy chaser who has famously gone 0-19 in this discipline, running numerous good races in smart company and finishing runner-up nine times; did run well for a long way in a veterans' chase at Cheltenham last month (3m2f, good to soft) and this might just be the day it happens for him.

11/10

5th

5

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 214y

Class 2

15:15 Newbury

Mister Coffey

11st 4lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Let down by his jumping when returned to the cross-country course at Cheltenham last time; has lots of useful form otherwise and ties in with Eldorado Allen on reappearance running; well capable of being involved but is famously frustrating and still a maiden over fences (0-18).

13/2

6/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 2150-0 CD

Last run: 34 days

W: 10st 13lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
11yo who has a fine record in the 2m5f Foxhunters' over the big Aintree fences in April and still disputed the lead at the final fence in the Grand National there this year before fading into 12th; 16-1 when well beaten in Aintree handicap five weeks ago but he won this race last year (4lb higher today) and should be of renewed interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

12

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

Latenightpass

10st 5lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: T Ellis

Won over C&D (soft) in 2023 and a commendable second to Stumptown in this race last year (good to soft) but safely held in C&D races won by Final Orders and Favori De Champdou on his last two appearances and is getting long in the tooth now; 8lb out of the weights.

50/1

9th

3

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

13:50 Cheltenham

Latenightpass

11st 4lb

J: Miss Gina Andrews

T: T Ellis

Won over C&D (soft) in 2023 and was commendable second over C&D (good to soft) at last season's Festival; long in the tooth now and faded into seventh in C&D race won by Final Orders six weeks ago, but it won't be a surprise if he's on the premises.

16/1

Form: /6P0-P

Last run: 48 days

W: 10st 4lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Third in the 3m6f National Hunt Chase at the Festival here in 2021 but his last win was very nearly four years ago and he's struggling to get competitive, despite two trainer changes for last season.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

13

2nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

Escaria Ten

11st 7lb

J: James Best

T: Martin Keighley

Hasn't won since Thurles beginners' chase win in 2020 for Gordon Elliott; some okay cross-country form in recent seasons, standout run this term when third in 3m6f Cheltenham handicap in January, tame enough Exeter effort latest when ground may have been on the quick side; others preferred.

14/1

4th

5

22nd Mar 2026

Good

3m 6f 153y

Class 3

15:02 Exeter

Escaria Ten

11st 4lb

J: James Best

T: Martin Keighley

Returned to form with creditable third in cross-country chase at Cheltenham (3m5f, soft; refitted visor) in December and remains on a good mark but this veteran has become far too inconsistent to rely upon and may not be ideally suited by the forecast good ground here.

10/1

3rd

11

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

13:50 Cheltenham

Escaria Ten

10st 4lb

J: James Best

T: Martin Keighley

Looked out of sorts when pulled up here twice in the autumn (3m1f/2m4f; had wind op in between) and can't be supported with much confidence, but is now 10lb lower than when close fourth over C&D (soft) in December 2024; swaps blinkers for refitted visor.

20/1

Form: 200162

Last run: 19 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
3m1f win at Wexford in July; won over the banks course at Punchestown in April 2023 and placed on her last three appearances over that course, second to Stumptown 19 days ago; stays well and although this does not look a good mark, particularly from 6lb wrong, her banks record earns some respect for this similar test.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

11

4th Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 193y

12:28 Punchestown

Three By Two

11st 4lb

J: Mr S Cotter

T: Denis Paul Murphy

Has shown her best form over this cross-country course, winning the 2023 Ladies' Cup and fine third in last season's La Touche; none too fluent here in November when a remote fourth and tame effort back over the conventional fences on latest at Thurles; fair bit to find to play a major role.

20/1

4

29th Aug 2025

Yielding

3m 1f 0y

19:35 Wexford

Three By Two

11st 9lb

J: Richard Deegan

T: Denis Paul Murphy

C&D winner last summer off 5lb lower and another good run on the banks course at Punchestown this May, finishing a close third; subsequent defeat in a French Listed chase is easily forgiven.

8/1

Form: 6PP-06

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Won the 2022 Kerry National over 3m but his only win since was on the Flat; basically looks opposable these days, even if his first attempt at this particular test last month was not a total washout.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

4m 1f 11y

15:40 Punchestown

Busselton

11st 12lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: E Bolger

Beat Desertmore House in this event in last year when trained by Joseph O'Brien, for whom he won five chases in all, including the 2022 Kerry National; well below best when fifth behind Desertmore House here in November, tailed off at Cheltenham in November, had a first spin for Enda Bolger over hurdles and an inadequate trip at Cork; not ruled out.

7/2

5th

4

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 0f 70y

13:50 Cork

Busselton

11st 2lb

J: Rian Lane

T: E Bolger

Five-time chase winner's last two runs for Joseph O'Brien came in Cross Country races at Punchestown and Cheltenham; now with Enda Bolger and faces a tough task on these terms over a trip that looks too sharp.

9/1

Form: 0-P0P7

Last run: 26 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Took a big 2m5f handicap prize at Leopardstown in February 2023 and fourth here over 3m1f at the Festival next time; however, he's gone badly the wrong way and it's a bit bold to predict that this new test will relight his fire.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

19

2nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

The Goffer

11st 7lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Third reserve; second to Vanillier in P P Hogan Memorial over C&D in February and most recently a close third (beaten 1.25l) to Busselton in 4m1f La Touche here on Thursday; big player if turning out again.

3rd

13

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

4m 1f 11y

15:40 Punchestown

The Goffer

11st 7lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Fourth behind Stumptown in the 2025 Glenfarclas Chase; went on to finish third in the Topham and fifth in this race; twice second over the shorter course here this season, behind Desertmore House in November and behind Vanillier in February; may rebound after below-par effort at Cheltenham.

4/1

10th

13

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

The Goffer

10st 5lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Has made the frame at two Cheltenham Festivals, more recently when staying on from long way off the pace to take fourth behind Stumptown in this race in 2025 (good to soft); returns here after a pretty good second to Vanillier on Bank course at Punchestown (3m1f, soft to heavy) but, from out of the weights, is effectively 5lb higher than last year; sports first-time cheekpieces.

14/1

Form: P111-P

Last run: 62 days

W: 10st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Emerged from spell in the doldrums with three consecutive wins last season, notably over the big Aintree fences in April (2m5f, soft); pulled up two months ago on reappearance and has had wind surgery (his third) since, which gives hope judged on previous record; not proven beyond 3m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 68y

Class 2

14:50 Musselburgh

Arizona Cardinal

11st 5lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Stuart Edmunds

midfield in centre of group

20/1

10th

5

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 68y

Class 2

14:50 Musselburgh

Arizona Cardinal

11st 5lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Stuart Edmunds

midfield in centre of group

20/1

Form: 020-P6 C

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 145

Form & Verdict
1-16 over fences; second in the 2023 Grand National but he did not spark last season, including in the Aintree showpiece, and has not given great encouragement in his two runs this term; latest was his debut in a banks race but at least this longer trip will suit if he takes to the course.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

11th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

Vanillier

10st 7lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Gavin Cromwell

Thorough stayer who came second in the 2023 Grand National; not very consistent nowadays but did very well to finish third behind Stumptown in this race last year (good to soft), having lost ground when nearly taking the wrong course in early stages, and returns here after a win on Bank course at Punchestown (3m1f, soft to heavy) last month.

7/1

Form: 10-3U5 BF

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 10lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 155

Form & Verdict
A Thyestes and Troytown are among his big handicap wins and he started off over the banks on a winning note at Punchestown in February; not so good since, albeit still travelling well when unseating four out in the Velka Pardubicka on penultimate start; well-held fifth to Stumptown when back over the banks on latest; player on last season's best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

24

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Coko Beach

10st 9lb

J: Jody McGarvey

T: Gordon Elliott

Entered this race last year as one of the top weights and having been in career-best form, including at 3m2f over these fences; he duly came up with easily his closest finish here in three Grand Nationals but was beaten 33l even so; this season has continued well below form.

66/1

OUR TIP

Form: 3662-5 CD

Last run: 41 days

W: 12st 0lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 159

Form & Verdict
Won the 3m6f cross-country at Cheltenham Festival in 2022 and 2023; sixth in C&D handicap last November when his campaign was geared towards the Grand National in which he ran a terrific race to finish second; should be a lot more interesting today than in Grade 1 six weeks ago, but he may still prove vulnerable in this handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

25th Jan 2025

Good

3m 1f 56y

Class 1

14:25 Cheltenham

Delta Work

11st 4lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Gordon Elliott

held up in rear, mistake 6th, outpaced when not fluent 5 out, some headway 2 out, went modest fourth run-in

20/1

4th

4

25th Jan 2025

Good

3m 1f 56y

Class 1

14:25 Cheltenham

Delta Work

11st 4lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Gordon Elliott

held up in rear, mistake 6th, outpaced when not fluent 5 out, some headway 2 out, went modest fourth run-in

20/1

Form: P-5P3P C

Last run: 26 days

W: 11st 1lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 146

Form & Verdict
Second in 3m6f National Hunt Chase at the 2023 Festival here; not so good since, showing that significant ability remains on two of his last four starts but this new test needs to spark more of a revival.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

12

2nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

Chemical Energy

11st 7lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Very smart as a novice and some good runs in the Galway Plate and Munster National in 2024; generally ineffective in cross-country races since then however, reportedly burst blood vessels when fifth in this race last year, most recently (after two point-to-point wins) pulled up after never counting in 3m1f Fairyhouse hunter-chase at Easter; questions remain.

9/2

3

5th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 180y

17:30 Fairyhouse

Chemical Energy

12st 0lb

J: Mr H C Swan

T: Gordon Elliott

High-class novice chaser in the 2022/23 season, when second in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham; ran well in the Galway Plate and Munster National in 2024; generally ineffective in cross-country races since then; back-to-back point wins in the autumn offer some hope; however, he was tailed off in the hunter chase at Cheltenham last month.

9/1

11th

3

13th Mar 2026

Good

3m 2f 70y

Class 2

16:40 Cheltenham

Chemical Energy

12st 0lb

J: Mr B O’Neill

T: Gordon Elliott

Won a novice chase here in October 2022 and second in the NH Chase at this fixture that season; on a losing run of 14 under rules but contested plenty of strong handicaps in that time and back-to-back point wins in the autumn may give him some renewed belief; has soft-ground form but his trainer has always believed that good ground is ideal, so watch the weather; well held in a Galway Plate when tried in this equipment combination.

12/1

Form: /50-74 C

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 154

Form & Verdict
Four-time Grade 1 winner over fences at up to 2m5f; ran only twice last term (below form) and although his second run this term was a step back in the right direction, it remains to be seen whether the cross-country or this trip are his cup of tea.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

25th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 80y

18:35 Ballinrobe

Fakir Doudairies

10st 13lb

J: Mark Walsh

T: E Bolger

Four-time Grade 1 winner back in the day, but not the same force nowadays; has been running in cross-country chases lately, sixth at Cheltenham and second over 3m at Punchestown; trainer is a wizard with these types, but unlikely to feature all the same.

12/1

2nd

14

2nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

Fakir Doudairies

11st 7lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: E Bolger

Four-time Grade 1 chase winner (peaked at 167) for Joseph O'Brien but left yard after a disappointing cross-country debut in December 2024; just okay efforts back on cross-country circuit this term, most recently poor effort back over conventional fences at Wexford last month; hard to assess right now.

12/1

14th

1

10th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 100y

18:38 Wexford

Fakir Doudairies

11st 12lb

J: Charlie O’Dwyer

T: E Bolger

Four-time Grade 1 chase winner (peaked at 167) for Joseph O'Brien but left yard after a disappointing cross-country debut in December 2024; just okay efforts back on cross-country circuit of late, at Punchestown and when not looking to stay 3m6f at Cheltenham last month; back over the conventional fences here and hard to assess (trip/ground to suit) but handicapper giving him every chance.

15/2

Form: 113954

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
In prime form in spring/summer, winning twice at Perth (3m) before good third in the Summer Plate at Market Rasen (2m6f, good); back-to-form fourth over C&D four weeks ago and he was 7lb out of the weights on cross-country debut that day, so holds some interest off his correct mark today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

23rd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

15:40 Perth

Statuario

11st 3lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Six-time course winner who was runner-up in this race last year (good to soft); has since gained two C&D wins on good ground, latest in September; has plenty going for him; leading contender.

100/30

6

26th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 104y

Class 2

14:05 Fontwell

Statuario

11st 5lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Gained all six chase wins at Perth, most recently when scrambling home by a short head (3m, good) last month; may not be seen to quite the same effect over this C&D but is only 2lb higher today and evidently in good nick.

4/1

1st

4

24th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

16:15 Perth

Statuario

11st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Five-time course winner, most recently in Perth Gold Cup over today's trip in June (good ground); didn't really fire in Market Rasen's Summer Plate in July but this race is much less competitive, and the return to this track is an obvious plus.

9/4

Form: 422U11

Last run: 32 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Having returned to France after a poor spell in Britain, he's been a rising force again switched to cross-country races and won in the mud at Compiegne over 2m7f and 3m3f on last two occasions (not without incident); 11lb out of the handicap today but French raiders have popped up plenty of times in this discipline, including for this yard, and last month's C&D race was won by a French 5yo who was 17lb out of the handicap; one to note.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

24th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

13:50 Cheltenham

Iceo Madrik

10st 9lb

J: Leo-Paul Brechet

T: D Cottin

Dual cross-country chase winner at Compiegne in 2024 (2m7f/3m3f, heavy) and a creditable third over C&D (good) behind Final Orders six weeks ago, despite jumping left throughout; will be a danger to all if his jumping is just a bit straighter today.

7/1

18

12th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:20 Cheltenham

Iceo Madrik

10st 5lb

J: Felix De Giles

T: D Cottin

Represents a respected French stable and was a dual cross-country chase winner on heavy ground at Compiegne (2m7f/3m3f) in the autumn; unseated rider at third fence over C&D in December and is 8lb out of the weights today but has a fighting chance if he handles the ground (has raced only once on quicker than soft); reserve.

12/1

16

13th Dec 2024

Soft

3m 5f 56y

Class 2

15:00 Cheltenham

Iceo Madrik

10st 2lb

J: Thomas Journiac

T: D Cottin

Having returned to France after a poor spell in Britain, he's been a rising force again switched to cross-country races and won in the mud at Compiegne over 2m7f and 3m3f on last two occasions (not without incident); 11lb out of the handicap today but French raiders have popped up plenty of times in this discipline, including for this yard, and last month's C&D race was won by a French 5yo who was 17lb out of the handicap; one to note.

7/2

Non-runners

Gevrey

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £24.20
Straight Forecast £24.54
Tricast £106.76
Trifecta £135.20

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Mister Coffey

SPOTLIGHT:

Stumptown

Telegraph:

Iceo Madrik

D Express:

Fakir d'Oudairies

The Times:

Stumptown

Daily Record:

Stumptown

Daily Mail:

Iceo Madrik

Daily Mirror:

Iceo Madrik

TOPSPEED:

Mister Coffey

POSTDATA:

Mister Coffey

LAMBOURN:

Mister Coffey

The Sun:

Mister Coffey

The Star:

Mister Coffey