Cheltenham preview: Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (14.20)

Published:

David Metcalf | December 10, 2015

Any Currency is a real cross country specialist, so looks to hold outstanding claims of landing back-to-back successes in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham (14.20).

Trained locally by Martin Keighley, the gelding has a tremendous record at the track having only twice finished out of the frame in 13 appearances.

The 12-year-old romped to a 12 length success over Quantitativeasing in this 12 months ago, and has also been runner-up in the last two renewals of the Glenfarclas sponsored Cross Country race at the Cheltenham Festival.

If Any horse is worth a bet, then it’s Currency

Any Currency comes alive at the track, and looked as good as ever last time out when a 1 1/4 length second of 16 Josies Orders over course and distance.

The gelding was attempting to give 23lb to the winner, but now meets that rival on level terms as a result of this race has being changed from a handicap to a conditions event.

That should be more than enough to see Any Currency turn the tables, and another massive plus is that he now gets the services of Richard Johnson in the saddle for the first time.

Josies may be under Orders On His Own?

The aforementioned Josies Orders has a progressive profile and looks sure to go well despite being badly off with the selection, whilst fellow Irish raider On His Own is a very interesting contender on the pick of his form.

The Willie Mullins trained 11-year-old ran a stormer when beaten just a short-head in the 2014 Cheltenham Gold Cup, and was far from disgraced when fifth behind Coneygree in last season’s renewal of chasing’s blue ribbon contest.

On His Own also readily captured a Grade 3 contest at Cork back in April, but could only finish seventh on his cross country debut at Punchestown last month.

Although he didn’t seem entirely in love with the unique obstacles that day, there is little doubt that On His Own has a real touch of class and it would be no surprise to see a much improved showing given his powerful connections.

Related

Check out more of our Cheltenham content, which includes features and betting tips.

Coral’s top tip: Any Currency comes alive at the track and rates a solid bet to land back-to-back successes in the contest. On His Own commands the utmost respect on the pick of his form

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