'He's really taken to the banks, I just hope the weight doesn't beat him' - key quotes and analysis for the Glenfarclas Chase

One of the adaptations to this season’s Cheltenham Festival was the Glenfarclas Chase resuming its status as a handicap. Although an unpopular decision among certain factions of the racing world, it's a no-brainer from a sporting sense.

Let's face it, Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown used the Glenfarclas to get a festival victory out of their waning Grade 1 stars against handicappers. There's no blame for exploiting such an opportunity, but those days are over and the betting product has improved as a consequence.

A cursory glance at the top of the market is proof the switch has worked. Stumptown

Stumptown was hit with an 8lb rise for his snug defeat of Mister Coffey in the equivalent event at the December meeting, but was value for much more than that.

Galvin, second to Delta Work in the 2023 running when a deteriorating surface worked against him, also has significant upside. This 11-year-old cannot have the ground quick enough, having contested a US Grade 1 on firm going when last seen in October.

Even in its new guise, the Glenfarclas is expected to continue the decade-long trend of Irish domination. Only Mister Coffey, the popular ten-year-old who is 0-15 over fences, holds a prominent slot in the market among the Brits.

With 16 runners and enhanced place terms to go at, this is a punter-friendly race again. Perhaps we should look beyond the Gavin Cromwell and Elliott first strings for an each-way interest.

The pick of Elliott’s other five runners may be Chemical Energy, who finished second in the 2023 National Hunt Chase and could be a danger under the likely conditions. Improvement on his previous showings in banks races is required but not ruled out.

Vanillier provides Cromwell with an enviable hand. He landed the Albert Bartlett in 2021 and stormed back to form in first-time blinkers at Punchestown last month.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

Keith Donoghue, rider of Stumptown
He hasn't run since December but he's in great form and I'm just hoping the weight doesn't beat him. He's really taken to the banks and cross-country fences, and it seems to have brought out a different side to him. He's run in blinkers before but we're putting on cheekpieces to help him in the finish.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Galvin, Coko Beach, Minella Crooner, Chemical Energy, Gevrey and The Goffer
I hope it keeps drying out for Galvin. He's been absolutely flying for the last few weeks and if the ground is decent he will take a bit of stopping. Chemical Energy is one that could go very well at a decent price. He's another that will appreciate the drying ground. He's a talented horse on his day. Coko Beach has been some servant over the years and will give Sam [Ewing] a great spin. Minella Crooner needs to up his game to get involved but he stays well. The Goffer might not be badly handicapped if he bounced back to his best form. He ran well in the Ultima here last year. Gevrey is another who needs to return to his form from last season.

James Griffin, assistant trainer to Patrick Griffin, trainer of Roi Mage
Everything is good with him and he's in a good place. He has a nice weight and all we want is a bit of luck in running, and we'd expect a very competitive run. As long as there's no extremes in the ground, it won't be an excuse. He had a run in a schooling hurdle last week, which has left him right.

Tom Ellis, trainer of Latenightpass
He’s in really good form and I’m very happy with his preparation. He was a bit unfortunate at Ascot, but it didn’t affect him and he’s coming into the race nice and fresh. He’s schooled around Cheltenham and it’s all gone according to plan.

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Mister Coffey
We were going to retire him at the end of last season but I had the idea of cross-country races and he's loved it, he's like a two-year-old. He's flying.

Joseph O’Brien, trainer of Busselton
He had a good run over the course when sixth in December and we were happy with his run at Navan last time. He's in good form and would enjoy drying ground.

Martin Keighley, trainer of Escaria Ten
He’s in great form and he had a school around the course the other day and went superbly. I think he’s a big price and I think horses improve massively for their first experience at the course. I think he’s got every chance of being in the mix.
Reporting by Peter Scargill

Read more on the Cheltenham Festival...

1.20 Cheltenham: Will the dismal record of Challow Hurdle winners be ended by The New Lion - or will he be tamed by Final Demand?

2.00 Cheltenham: Ballyburn looked like a superstar last year - but how will he cope with new territory in the Brown Advisory?

2.40 Cheltenham: 'It's massively competitive but I think he's got a good chance' - Dan Skelton, Willie Mullins and more on the Coral Cup

4.00 Cheltenham: 'Controlled aggression' - why De Boinville tactics hold key to Jonbon's bid to break his festival duck in Champion Chase

4.40 Cheltenham: 'I think the race is made for him' - crucial trainer insight and analysis for the unpredictable Grand Annual

5.20 Cheltenham: Willie Mullins mob-handed to extend phenomenal Champion Bumper record - but has his stable jockey picked the right one?