Favori De Champdou’s Trials Day win may have impacted Festival chances
Favori De Champdou’s recent triumph on Trials day has left connections anxious about his chances in the upcoming Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at the renowned Cheltenham Festival. The 11-year-old, trained by Gordon Elliott, emerged victoriously in a striking cross-country display on Trials day at Cheltenham in January, winning by a comfortable margin of eight and a half lengths. This impressive victory positioned him as a strong contender for the upcoming festival, with defending champion Stumptown standing as the primary favorite.
Despite Favori De Champdou’s remarkable performance, his triumph came at a cost, as he faced a significant handicap rise from the handicapper. Eddie O’Leary of Gigginstown House stud expressed concerns about the impact of this increase on Favori De Champdou’s chances, particularly given the hefty 8lb rise imposed by the handicapper. O’Leary highlighted the challenge of such a substantial increase for a horse like Favori De Champdou, known for his tenacity and spirited racing style.
While Favori De Champdou’s prospects in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase may be impacted by his elevated weight allocation, Gigginstown House stud will also have former Gold Cup third, Conflated, in contention for the prestigious race. Despite being in the twilight of his Grade One-winning career, the 12-year-old Conflated put up a commendable performance at Punchestown recently, finishing third. With his odds set at 20-1, Conflated will enter the competition with the lowest mark since 2021, presenting a formidable racing weight compared to Favori De Champdou.
O’Leary acknowledged the contrasting positions of Favori De Champdou and Conflated in the race, noting that while Favori De Champdou still retains a credible chance despite his handicap rise, Conflated could pose a serious threat due to his advantageous weight allocation. Reflecting on Conflated’s suitability for the race, O’Leary emphasized the horse’s affinity for this particular discipline and highlighted the importance of favorable ground conditions for maximizing his performance on the track.
As the anticipation builds for the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham, Favori De Champdou’s recent victory on Trials day looms large as both a testament to his abilities and a potential impediment to his success in the upcoming competition. With seasoned contenders like Stumptown and Conflated in the mix, the stage is set for an exhilarating showcase of skill, strategy, and determination at one of horse racing’s most prestigious events. As the countdown to the festival begins, all eyes will be on Favori De Champdou as he aims to defy the odds and secure victory in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase.