Open Meeting 2011 - Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase 2011

2.20 Cheltenham

Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (Class 2) (5yo+) Winner £13,763 Ch4

Firm 3m7f Number Of Runners: 8

Advice: 2 pts each/way Uncle Junior (13/2 Boylesports), 1 pt each/way Theroadtocroker (20/1 Ladbrokes)

Garde Champetre: Standing dish around here, this being his sixteenth race here (going for a 6^th C&D win and fifth under today’s rider Nina Carberry) and was as good as ever when second to Sizing Australia in the Festival’s cross country race (running off 157); These terms should help him and worthy favourite.

Guillible Gordon: Looked the kind to take to cross country racing when running a good race in the Becher Chase, but  a long way behind Grade Champetre in the Cross Country chase and others preferred today.

Uncle Junior: Useful Irish handicapper (mark of 139) who was third in the Munster National and is a winner over the 3m6f, having come right away at the Punchestown Festival; One of the classier ones in this field and should go well.

Fort George: Had made the frame on his last three starts since winning at Killarney but beaten a long way on all three occasions and others better here despite combination being much respected.

Double Dizzy: Attitude problems have become far more evident despite last win being as recently as Feburary; Other should be too good for him.

Intac: Had Gullible Gordon behind (just a length separated them) when second to Gone To Lunch at Wincaton, going much further than previously; This asks for more than previously and passed over.

Theroadtocroker: Was going best when running out in the Cross Country at Punchestown and then had 2 lengths in hand when falling at the last; Second and seventh in Cross Country chases the last twice and might well be overpriced based on festival form.

Wedger Pardy: Seems to be on the downgrade based on placed efforts in the  Ladies Perpetual Cup at Punchestown (dual winner in past) and while he has claims for a place here if fit, winning might be beyond him.

VERDICT: All eyes will be on Garde Champetre, who has the weights to favour him at his favourite track, but it’s very hard to ignore the big price on UNCLE JUNIOR, a classy operator who has stamina to spare, and THEROADTOCROKER, who’s too big based on his two efforts at Punchestown when unlucky not to win on both occasions. Backing both each/way should give you a decent run for your money.