- Supreme Novices Hurdle
- Arkle Challenge Trophy
- Will Hill Trophy Handicap Chase
- Champion Hurdle
- Cross Country Handicap Chase
- David Nicholson Mares Hurdle
- Centenary Novice Chase
- National Hunt Steeple Chase
- Neptune Investment Hurdle
- RSA Chase
- Queen Mother Champion Chase
- Coral Cup
- Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle
- Champion Bumper
- Jewson Novices Chase
- Pertemps Handicap Hurdle
- Ryanair Chase
- Ladbrokes World Hurdle
- Byrne Group Plate
- Kim Muir Challenge Cup
- JCB Triumph Hurdle
- County Handicap Hurdle
- Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle
- Cheltenham Gold Cup
- Foxhunter Steeple Chase
- Conditional Jockeys Hurdle
- Grand Annual Chase
Cheltenham Ryanair Chase
Cheltenham Festival race guide – Ryanair Chase betting
The Grade 1 Ryanair Chase is the third race on day three which will see entries five years or older do battle over two miles and five furlongs. During this distance, runners will have to take seventeen fences swinging left-handed as they complete the circuit on Cheltenham’s new course. Free £50 bet from Betfred for any race at Cheltenham.
The Grade 1 Ryanair Chase promises to be fiercely contested with recent Betfair Ascot Chase winner Riverside Theatre currently heading the market. Nicky Henderson’s eight-year-old had Medermit three lengths behind in second that day but they look set to lock horns again in this race over 2m5f. Albertas Run, winner of this race for the last two years with champion jockey Tony McCoy aboard, will line-up again bidding for a hat-trick of wins for trainer Jonjo O’Neill and owner Trevor Hemmings.
Ryaniar Chase odds
In the six runnings of this event second favourites have had a very healthy record. In fact, three of those six have been solid in the betting behind the market leader so it might be best to focus on those horses occupying the top few in the betting. Paul Nicholls has a 33% strike rate in the Ryanair when teaming up with Ruby Walsh – they partnered Thisthatandother (2005) and Taranis (2007) to claim the £220,000 prize money. The deadly pairing are sure to be well backed in their pursuit of a three-timer in this and if money does arrive for Nicholls’ representative the market could guide.
Trip
The two mile five furlongs is an interesting distance, an intermediate one which is certainly an advantage to those horses who do not quite get the three mile trip but need a little more than two. And a good trial to assess potential entries trying this trip is the Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase in November. Imperial Commander won it in 2008 before going on to score in the Ryanair five months later. And this year Nigel Twiston-Davies worked his magic once more when son Sam scored on 20/1 shot Little Josh at Cheltenham over course and distance. So keep an eye on the front-running Little Josh in the run up to this one as the Twiston-Davies yard seem to be firing on all cylinders at this early stage of the season.
Last year can guide…
Last years winner Albertas Run was the largest price winner of the Ryanair since its inauguration scoring at 14/1. A P McCoy did the steering and rewarded those value punters who got on at this price. The Irish raider had previous Cheltenham winning form to his name and this could point the way to backing the 2011 victor.
Ryaniar Chase verdict:
Its proving difficult to separate a handful of these at the top of the betting but the one that stands out most is RIVERSIDE THEATRE. He holds Medermit, a rival he meets again here, on his latest Ascot win last month and must enter calculations. Noble Prince has been second best in his last three starts and may have to settle for another supporting role along with Victor Chandler Chase winner Somersby.
1- Riverside Theatre
2- Somersby
3- Noble Prince
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