Cross Country Chase Tips

The Cross Country Chase is a Steeplechase on day two of the Cheltenham Festival and is run over a mammoth 3 miles and 6 furlongs.

In a race of this magnitude, both in length and field size, researching your Cross Country Chase betting tips is essential in having the best chance of landing a return from this staple of the greatest show on turf.

Cross Country Chase Betting Odds

4.10 - Glenfarclas Chase (3m5f)

Henry de Bromhead and owner Barry Maloney could be in for a big day as along with Monty's Star they are also responsible for MINELLA INDO in the Glenfarclas Chase. Minella Indo loves it as the Festival, boasting form figures of 1212P in Grade 1s there.

He took to this style of racing impressively when fourth off a big weight here in December and renews rivalries with those horses off much better terms. Galvin and Delta Work are other former top-class operators of note and will not be far away.

Selection: Minella Indo

Understanding the Cross Country Chase

The Cross Country Chase is one of the newer additions to the Cheltenham Festival, having been introduced in 2005. Initially a handicap race, organisers switched it to a conditions race from 2016 onwards.

Finding a winner in this race is hazardous work, but you can seek out value if you look hard enough. Due to the length of the course, you will need some luck in running, but a definite element of importance is stamina.

Top Cross Country Chase Contenders

Currently, the top of the market is a close-run thing between Delta Work (evens) and Minella Indo.

Former Grand National winner Minella Indo hasn't set the world alight in recent races and has arguably been on a disappointing run since the beginning of 2023. So, the favourite certainly doesn't inspire confidence. However, in its only win, it defeated Delta Work who has also underperformed since Cheltenham 2023.

As for the horses that come into the race in decent form, Coko Beach has finished in the top three in it's last four races since pulling up at the Grand National last April.

Meanwhile at higher odds, Farceur Du Large has won it's last two races and will likely drop in the betting odds if it races in this event. However, we can't see it winning here.

Cross Country Chase Betting Tips

There are several bets to try your luck, including:

Win Bet Back a horse to finish first past the post and receive winnings according to the starting price.

Each Way Bet Get paid out if your horse wins OR finishes in the places set before the race begins. You will be required to double your Win Bet stake in order to place this bet.

Place Bet You are backing the horse to finish second, third, fourth, fifth etc, depending on the number of paid places in the race.

Strategies for finding tips on the Cross Country Chase

Having strategies when betting on horses is essential because it informs decisions, the potential to maximise winnings, and minimise losses. It involves many variables, including course conditions, the jockey's performance, the horse's age and form, and so much more.

Assessing the Form of the Horses

Look at past performances, including their recent form and festival track record. Scrutinise how they have handled the famous Cheltenham course conditions, their current fitness level and any recent injuries or illnesses that may hamper their performance. Consider the jockey and trainer, too, as they can have a huge influence on a horse's race performance.

How Do You Identify Value?

You can identify value by assessing the probability of an outcome and comparing it to the odds. If the odds are higher than your perception of an event happening, then you have uncovered value. It would help to consider other factors, such as form and statistics.

Bankroll Management

Ensure you set deposit and loss limits before the festival begins for the safest possible Cheltenham Festival experience.

Factors to Consider When Placing a Bet There are several important elements to factor in before placing your bet on the Cross Country Chase:

Ground Conditions

Ground conditions are critical. Soft or heavy ground makes it harder for horses to gain traction, which makes it better suited for those bred with stamina. Firm ground makes it easier for horses to gain speed. How Cheltenham is classified before the starting call will be crucial.

Weight Carried By The Horse

Generally, lighter-weighted horses are expected to have an advantage over their heavier counterparts as they will be able to carry their speed longer and have better acceleration.

Jockey's Riding Style

The horse's performance can depend on whether a jockey knows how to effectively use their whip and body weight to adhere to their tactics.

Some jockeys prefer a more aggressive style, while others use a hands-off and passive approach, but each race and specific horse requires different techniques to be successful.

Cross Country Chase Betting Trends and Statistics

• Avoid records from horses in this race. Nine of the previous 11 winners of this race had not run during the last year's renewal.
• In 13 of the previous 15 renewals of the Cross Country Chase, the winner had at least one race of 30 furlongs or more under their belt.
• The winner in eight of the last ten races has been won by horses aged between 8 and 10.

How to Use Trends and Statistics to finalise your predictions

Using trends and statistics to inform your bets is a great way to improve your chances of winning. It doesn't guarantee success, but it increases the odds in your favour.

Remember, having your eggs in a row will give you the best shot at returning a winner from the Cross Country Chase.

Cross Country Chase Tips FAQs

When is the Cross Country Chase?

The Cross Country Chase takes place at 4.10 pm on Wednesday 13th March.

Who is the Favourite to Win the 2024 Renewal?

The current favourite to win the Cross Country Chase is Minella Indo trained by Henry de Bromhead

Who Won the 2023 Renewal of the Cross Country Chase?

The 2023 champion of this race was Delta Work, who became the third horse to win back-to-back renewals of this race. However, not even the mighty Tiger Roll was able to win the race three years in a row, Delta Work could tie the legendary horse by winning three renditions of the race in a row.

What is the Distance of the Cross Country Chase?

Horses battle it out over a gargantuan 3 mile 6-furlong course.

Who is the Most Successful Trainer in the Cross Country Chase?

Enda Bolger is the most successful trainer in the history of Cross Country Chase with five wins - Spot The Difference (2005), Heads On the Ground (2007), Garde Champetre (2008, 2009), Josies Orders (2016)