Cheltenham Festival Races: Glenfarclas and Hunters Preview
Form, Pace and Cross-Country Course Analysis for Cheltenham
This preview expands on the existing race notes and adds strategic context for bettors and racegoers ahead of the Glenfarclas Chase and the Festival Challenge Cup Hunters’ Chase.
Content aims to help readers assess form, trainer patterns and betting value while encouraging responsible, informed choices; 18+ only.
Trainer Trends and Gordon Elliott Dominance Explained
Gordon Elliott’s record in the Glenfarclas is a striking pattern and should be treated as a form pointer rather than a certainty.
Analysing how Elliott targets horses at specific prep races and places them for the cross-country specialist events helps explain market moves and race tactics.
Elliott Two-String Tactics and Running Orders
Where a trainer fields multiple runners, one often serves as a pacemaker or tactical foil; understanding which horse is favoured can influence how you view betting markets.
Look at recent declarations, stable entries and jockey bookings as these often reveal which runner the trainer trusts most on the day.
Horse-by-Horse Profiles and Key Statistics
Below is the existing page content which gives detailed notes on the main contenders in both races; this original text is reproduced unchanged for reference.
Glenfarclas Chase – 3m 6F 37yds – Class 2
This race is dominated by Gordon Elliott. He’s won this race four times (five with a suspension) in the last six years. It’s a race he targets horses for the Grand National with. Silver Birch came second in the race before going on to win at Aintree in 2007.
Delta Work is aiming to follow in Tiger Roll’s footsteps and become a back-to-back winner of the race. He showed his Grade One experience showed last time out and there’s no limit to his abilities. No handicap mark to defy this time. It’s his to lose.
Or is it? The Elliott second string is Galvin, who finished fourth in last year’s Gold Cup. Similar to Delta Work last year, he comes into the race with zero experience over the cross-country track. His track record at Cheltenham is 62114, which includes his win in the National Hunt Cup. His staying power shows and could be a big threat.
Franco De Port has been unlucky with no win since winning the Racing Post Novice Chase in December 2020. He comes in with plenty of graded form, and might get a place. The top two much more fancied.
At an each-way price is an old favourite, Back On The Lash. He won on Trials Day and he’s one of few horses who can handle the track. Back On The Lash seems to come into his own in cross-country races, winning twice and placed once. He could stay on well, but does he have the class at this level to win?
Verdict: Delta Work; This will be my NB of the week. His price is way to short and it’ll be a race to sit back and enjoy. Galvin is sure to come second, so a short-priced forecast could be good as well. Best price is 11/10 generally, whilst SBK exchange is offering 2.3.
Each-way: Back On The Lash; He’s a fan favourite and his record has been really good this season. He’s worth a small wager at 16/1 with William Hill.
St. James’ Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase – 3m 2F 70yds – Class 2
Winged Leader was outgunned on the line by Billaway in last year’s contest. But this season sees newcomer Vaucelet getting the punters talking.
Vaucelet has been impressive in the Hunters’ world this year, although the distances haven’t been as convincing. He won by half-a-length at Portrush in a point-to-point, and beat Dorking Cock by a neck on Boxing Day at Down Royal. It will be interesting to see how he runs for the first time at Cheltenham.
Ferns Lock might be the better horse in the race for David Christie. Unbeaten in his entire career and double figure winning distances to his name. He won by three-an-a-half lengths at Gowran Park on Saturday, so he’ll have to be turned out quickly if he has a chance.
Famous Clermont has had a fantastic season after pulling up at last year’s Hunters’ evening at Cheltenham. A 30-length win at Larkhill on New Year’s Day catches the eye, as well as a good win last time out at Haydock. His run at Cheltenham may have been because of good ground, and has a good record over softer. He’s one to consider.
Billaway is lightly raced, but hasn’t set the world alight since his win at last year’s Festival. A half-length win at Naas last time out shows that he older he is, the less he’s going to produce a fantastic staying performance. He has a real chance to place, but I can’t see him winning.
Secret Investor made the switch to go Hunters Chasing midway through the season, and a 13-length win made sure that he was in comfortable setting. This might just be a bit too much out of his depth for Paul Nicholls, a successful British trainer in this race.
Verdict: Ferns Lock; Another NB race. I feel Vauceltet’s wins, on paper, are unconvincing so I’m going with the hotshot Ferns Lock to take on the favourite at 5/1 with Betfred.
Each-way pick: Le Malin; Has been unlucky against Vaucelet, Winged Leader and Billaway in the past. He has a good paling record and bagged an 11-length win at Lisronagh point-to-point. Good each-way price at 20/1 with William Hill.
Cross-Country Specialists and Course Suitability Notes
The Cheltenham cross-country course is unique and often punishes horses unfamiliar with unusual fences and turning patterns, so prior experience is a major factor.
When assessing runners, weigh course experience and jumping style alongside raw form; a seasoned cross-country horse can outstay a more talented but inexperienced rival.
Delta Work Profile: Form, Ground and Distances
Delta Work’s previous performances in open-distance Grade One company show a blend of stamina and racecraft suited to the Glenfarclas distance.
Monitor ground reports pre-race as Delta Work’s ability to handle testing going will influence both performance and betting market movement.
Back On The Lash and Cross-Country Experience
Back On The Lash’s Trials Day form and previous cross-country wins make him a live each-way contender where stamina and track knowledge matter most.
At larger each-way prices he offers an option for those looking to back a proven course performer rather than backing outright favourites at short odds.
Betting Strategy and Each-Way Value Considerations
Each-way markets are often the sensible approach in big-field staying chases and Hunters’ contests where place terms can be generous.
Consider staking proportionally to value rather than emotional bias; small each-way wagers on course specialists complement larger forecasts or short-priced NBs.
Calculating Value: Forecasts and Short-Priced NBs
Short-priced selections can be paired with forecasts if you have a clear 1–2 expectation, but remember forecasts increase stake exposure and payout variability.
Where an obvious favourite is short, backing a clear second in a small forecast or placing a conservative each-way stake can be a lower-risk way to stay involved.
Market Watch: When to Shop Around for Best Odds
Odds can vary notably between bookmakers and exchanges; checking multiple firms can secure a better price and improve long-term returns.
Use bookmaker comparison tools to view available lines, and remember to factor in non-runner money-back terms where relevant before staking.
Responsible Banking: Managing Stakes and Limits
Set a clear staking plan and loss limits before the race and stick to them to avoid impulse decisions influenced by emotion or short-term results.
If betting feels less enjoyable or becomes a source of stress, contact support services and consider self-exclusion or stake limits with bookmakers; 18+ only.
Practical Race-Day Considerations and Final Notes
On the day, study race card updates, jockey changes and ground conditions which can all materially alter the form picture referenced in pre-race analysis.
Keep bets small relative to your bankroll and treat tips and previews as guidance rather than guarantees; gambling should be for entertainment by those aged 18+.
You can explore current bookmaker offers and compare prices through our sports betting comparison tools if you choose to bet responsibly; see our free bets list for new customer offers. Visit https://bestofbets.com/free-bets for a comparison of top bookmaker free bet offers in one place.
If you’re also interested in casino bonuses, view our round-up of casino welcome offers and terms at https://bestofbets.com/casino-bonus for responsible gaming options and promotional details.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cheltenham Festival Race Preview
What makes the Glenfarclas Chase different from other chases?
The Glenfarclas is a long-distance cross-country-style chase that favours stamina and course familiarity over sheer speed; it rewards experienced stayers. 18+ only and gamble responsibly.
How important is trainer form when backing at Cheltenham?
Trainer patterns and recent form are key indicators, especially with specialists like Gordon Elliott who target this race; consider entries and stable trends before betting.
Should I prefer each-way bets in these races?
Each-way bets often provide value in large staying chases and Hunters’ races where place terms can be generous; size your stake according to value and bankroll.
Do course specialists always beat higher-class rivals?
Not always, but cross-country experience on Cheltenham’s unique fences can give an edge to specialists over higher-class horses lacking course familiarity.
How can I find the best odds for my selection?
Compare bookmakers and exchanges before placing a bet, and check for enhanced or non-runner policies which may affect value; always bet within your limits.
What responsible gambling steps should I take before betting?
Set a budget, use stake limits and consider time-outs or self-exclusion if needed; betting should be entertainment for those aged 18+ and not a way to make money.
Are hunters’ chases predictable compared to open chases?
Hunters’ chases can be less predictable due to varied experience and conditions; form lines must be weighed alongside recent point-to-point or hunters’ performances.
How do weather and ground reports affect race chances?
Ground conditions can change expectations dramatically, favouring some horses and disadvantaging others; check official going reports close to race time.
