Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase Tips 2026 – Cheltenham 3:20 Preview & Best Bets - (2026)

Updated: 01/04/2026

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⭐ Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase Tips

WIN: Favori De Champdou
MAIN DANGER: Stumptown
VALUE BET: Desertmore House
OUTSIDER: Vanillier

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Race Overview – Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (3:20 Cheltenham)

The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase is one of the most unique races at the Cheltenham Festival, run over 3m5½f on the famous cross-country course featuring banks, rails and a variety of unusual obstacles.

This specialist contest often favours experienced runners who have previously shown an aptitude for the discipline. Familiarity with the course and the ability to travel smoothly over the unusual obstacles are key factors.

The 2026 renewal once again looks dominated by the Irish challenge, with trainers Gordon Elliott and Gavin Cromwell responsible for several leading contenders.

At the head of the market sits Favori De Champdou, who arrives after an impressive victory over course and distance earlier this season. However, last year’s winner Stumptown also returns with strong claims and could prove the biggest threat.

Several others including Desertmore House, Final Orders, and Vanillier bring solid cross-country form into the race, ensuring another competitive renewal of this Festival favourite.

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⭐ Main Selection – Favori De Champdou

Favori De Champdou looks the one to beat after a convincing victory over this course earlier in the season.

The Gordon Elliott-trained runner handled the unique obstacles extremely well that day and travelled strongly throughout before pulling clear in the closing stages.

That performance suggested he has quickly developed into a specialist in this discipline and an 8lb rise in the weights may not be enough to stop him.

With Jack Kennedy in the saddle and Elliott’s strong record in cross-country races, Favori De Champdou appears to have excellent prospects of following up at the Festival.

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⚠️ Main Danger – Stumptown

The biggest danger could come from Stumptown, who won this race twelve months ago.

Trained by Gavin Cromwell, the nine-year-old has an excellent record over Cheltenham’s cross-country course, winning twice over the track last season.

He returned to action this term with victory in a marathon race in the Czech Republic, proving his stamina remains a major asset.

If he reproduces the level of form that saw him land this race last year, Stumptown will be extremely difficult to keep out of the frame.

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💰 Value Bet – Desertmore House

Desertmore House could represent a solid each-way option.

Although he has yet to run over this exact course, he has performed well on the cross-country layout at Punchestown, finishing runner-up twice in competitive races.

His stamina is assured and if he adapts to Cheltenham’s banks course, he could easily outrun his odds.

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🐎 Dark Horse – Vanillier

Vanillier is an intriguing contender with strong Festival form.

The eleven-year-old finished third in this race last year and showed he still retains plenty of ability when winning on his latest start.

While he can be inconsistent, his proven stamina and previous experience on the cross-country track make him a runner who cannot be dismissed.

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Other Contenders

Final Orders
A previous course-and-distance winner who ran well for a long way in testing ground last time. Could be competitive again.

The Goffer
Stayed on well for fourth in this race last year and may improve again with another year of experience in cross-country races.

Pied Piper
Well known for his performances in major handicaps and an interesting contender if taking to the cross-country discipline.

Fakir d’Oudairies
A high-class performer in his prime, but he may now need a career revival to challenge the leading contenders.

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Predicted Finishing Order

1. Favori De Champdou
2. Stumptown
3. Desertmore House
4. Vanillier

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Final Verdict

The Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase is always a fascinating tactical race and experience of the course can be a major advantage.

While last year’s winner Stumptown commands plenty of respect, Favori De Champdou impressed with his jumping and finishing effort when winning over course and distance earlier this season.

If he reproduces that performance, Favori De Champdou could prove very difficult to beat in the 3:20 at Cheltenham.

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Best Bets Summary

WIN: Favori De Champdou
EACH WAY: Desertmore House
DANGER: Stumptown
OUTSIDER: Vanillier

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