The Verdict: Friday December 12

Below are Ben Linfoot’s top Cheltenham selections for Friday — suggested stakes are shown alongside each pick. Odds were checked at time of preview; please confirm latest prices on the racecard or bookmaker site before betting.

1pt win Kel Du Large in 13:15 Cheltenham at 8/1 (General) — Confidence: Each-way prospect, improving

1pt win Gowel Road in 13:50 Cheltenham at 11/1 (William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral) — Confidence: Value sleeper returning to chasing

1pt win Final Orders in 15:00 Cheltenham at 10/1 (General) — Confidence: Strong each-way claims over stamina test

Odds correct at time of publication — check live racecards and fast results for updates.

Sky Bet odds | Paddy Power | Betfair Sportsbook | Free bets

Want the full racecards, live results, and replays? See the racecards and fast results links below to follow these picks through the day.

Cromwell restoring Order in X-Country

Gavin Cromwell has had a difficult November, but the yard’s form has brightened with three winners in December and Final Orders looks well placed to threaten in Cheltenham’s Glenfarclas Crystal Cup on the X-Country course.

• Course form: Stumptown won this race 12 months ago, so Cromwell knows how to train for the X-Country test; FINAL ORDERS has the profile to handle the unusual fences and stamina demands.
• Recent form & distance: His best recent effort was a half-length second in the Ulster National (Downpatrick) over about 3m4f on Good ground — Friday’s 3m5f looks ideal for stamina to be tested further.
• Course/rider combination: Keith Donoghue is booked and his experience around Cheltenham’s unique tracks is a positive; that rider/horse combo should cope with the undulations and banks.
• Seasonal runs: He’s produced solid efforts on Punchestown’s banks this year and on his reappearance, suggesting the horse is race-fit and acts on similar profiles.

Why that matters: the Glenfarclas Crystal Cup is a specialist test where stamina, balance and familiarity with the X-Country features count heavily. Final Orders ticks those boxes and looks a credible each-way option at prices around 10/1 — a level I’d expect to shorten if Cromwell’s recent uptick in form continues.

Betting angle: suggested play is 1pt win (as per the verdict) with an each-way alternative if you prefer downside cover — aim for standard each-way terms or better (check the racecard for the operator’s place terms). Monitor live racecards and fast results for any late withdrawals or jockey changes that could affect the market.

The Verdict: Back FINAL ORDERS in the 15.00 Cheltenham

On the Road to glory in Turners

The ground is expected to be softer over the regulation fences on the New Course, but that should suit GOWEL ROAD on his return to chasing in the Turners Handicap Chase over the Gold Cup course and distance.

• Trainer plan: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies have been patient with Gowel Road’s return to fences — he showed genuine ability over fences when winning an Ascot novice handicap by 18 lengths off a 146 mark in October 2022.
• Layoff & fitness: A 13-month injury absence followed, but his recent hurdle runs have been encouraging and should leave him fit enough to handle this step back up in trip and obstacles.
• Yard record: The Twiston-Davies yard has strong recent form in this contest (Cogry twice, Broadway Boy), which suggests they know how to set up a horse for this specific race.
• Risk vs reward: He is relatively inexperienced over regulation fences, so there’s a risk element — but his staying power and the application of cheekpieces make him a live-looking contender.

Tactically, expect him to be ridden prominently as he has over hurdles here. If the ground becomes testing and the stamina contest turns into a true staying test, Gowel Road could pull further clear late — a factor that boosts his appeal at the current prices.

Betting guidance: the tip is 1pt win (see verdict). If you prefer protection, consider an each-way alternative subject to the bookmaker’s place terms. Check the live racecard and fast results for any late declarations or jockey changes before placing a bet.

The Verdict: Back GOWEL ROAD in the 13.50 Cheltenham

Gowel Road winning the Cleeve

Large looks big at 8/1 for Williams

11

Kel Du Large

Age: 5| Weight: 10-4| J: C Gethings| T: Mrs J Williams| OR: 114| BF| C

7/2

Form: 111/3

Finally, the in-form Jane Williams can strike with KEL DU LARGE in the Catesby Estates Handicap Hurdle over 2m1f at 13.15.

• Recent comeback: He returned from a long absence at Exeter last month and, although keen that day, showed he retains ability and is likely to improve for the run.
• Track form: Kel Du Large won a bumper at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day 2024, so he handles this venue well and the step up to a bigger field should suit his stamina.
• Weights & position: From the bottom of the weights (10-4) he carries little and should be a real threat if he settles better in a larger field.

Betting guidance: the suggested play is 1pt win as per the verdict, with an each-way alternative possible if you want insurance — check bookmaker each-way terms on the racecard and consider watching race replays and fast results after the race for follow-up.

The Verdict: Back KEL DU LARGE in the 13.15 Cheltenham

Preview posted at 15:00 GMT on 11/12/25

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