2024 Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase Tips - 50/1 outsider worth a look at Cheltenham

Jon Vine

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Last updated: 11 Dec 2024

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Jon Vine 11 Dec 2024

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2024 Crystal Cup set at Cheltenham, featuring Iceo Madrik as favorite
Strong Irish contingent includes Stumptown and Delta Work
Gevrey, despite recent challenges, has potential as a long-shot pick

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Gina Andrews riding Latenightpass (L, red/white) clear the last to win The Glenfarclas Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase at Cheltenham. (Getty)

The ITV racing cameras will pitch up at Cheltenham on Friday to capture the best of the action on day one of the December Meeting. Friday's card is headlined by the Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase, which is run on the unique cross-country course that weaves around Prestbury Park.

Here's our free guide to the 2024 Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase, including our best betting tips.

2024 Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase Odds

Name	Odds
Iceo Madrik	7/2
Stumptown	9/2
Mister Coffey	6/1
Latenightpass	7/1
Coko Beach	9/1
Delta Work	10/1
Bar	14/1

2024 Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase Runners

Sweet David proved again during the November Meeting that French horses usually take well to the Cross Country course at Cheltenham. It's no surprise, therefore, to see David Cottin's raider, Iceo Madrik top the market as he looks to complete a hat-trick.

Ireland, and in particular Gordon Elliott, is well represented. Gordon's duo of Delta Work and Coko Beach head the market. Chemical Energy, Gevrey and The Goffer will also fly the flag for Elliott.

The most-fancied Irish raider is Gavin Cromwell's Stumptown, who has won his last two starts around the Banks course at Punchestown. Denis Murphy's Three By Two was narrowly beaten by Stumptown at Punchestown and renews rivalries with the second-favourite. Former Grade One winners, Fakir D'Oudairies and Vanillier have also made the trip over from Ireland.

Mister Coffey kept on well to follow Sweet David home on his Cross Country debut last month. Defending champion, Latenightpass is rated just four pounds higher than when he scored at Cheltenham 12 months ago. Topham winner, Arizona Cardinal goes for the in-form Stuart Edmunds team. Statuario and Escaria Ten complete the line-up.

2024 Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase Tips

Dennis Cottin has history in the Cross Country, having saddled Easysland before his victory in this contest back in 2019 and his runaway triumph in the big one at the 2020 Cheltenham Festival. I doubt whether Iceo Madrik is in that league, but he won't have to be as good as Easysland to win this off bottom-weight. He's a worthy favourite.

An unusual amount of Irish interest suggests that trainers are either attempting to get good marks for their horses going into the Cross Country at the Festival - which is now a handicap - or they want to get some experience into their raiders with that race in mind. Stumptown could probably win on Friday and still get a good mark for the Festival. Keith Donoghue's mount has plenty of Cheltenham form to bolster his claims too.

Latenightpass has every chance of defending his crown. Arizona Cardinal could be a big player if he takes to this course too. In short, plenty boast genuine chances.

With five paid places up for grabs, I'm going to chance my arm with GEVREY (50/1) at a massive price. Gordon Elliott's raider has been pulled up in five of his last six starts, but does boast plenty of back-form to suggest that he could play a part.

Gevrey finished a close fourth to Seddon in the Paddy Power Plate at the Festival in 2023, before coming up a length short of I Am Maximus in the Irish Grand National. Elliott's eight-year-old ran out an impressive winner of the Munster National off a mark of 138 last October, again displaying a liking for soft ground and a strong test of stamina.

Elliott has booked James Bowen for the ride, and he does have some experience around the Cross Country course. The British handicapper still rated Gevrey at 145, despite the Irish assessor dropping his mark down to 138, but he's the type of horse who could rise to this sort of challenge.

Live Stream

Visit our Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase Live Stream page if you plan on watching any of Friday's races via a mobile or tablet.

Verdict

2024 Crystal Cup Cross Country Handicap Chase

Gevrey is our each-way selection in the 2024 Crystal Cup.

Gevrey E/W

2024 Crystal Cup Tips

@50/1 - 5 Units

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