Ryanair Chase - Cheltenham Festival

Published on: 12/03/2020

Ryanair Chase - Cheltenham Festival

March 12, 2020 14:50pm - Cheltenham

Distance: 2m 4f 166y

Grade: (Grade 1) (Class 1) (5yo+)

Runners: 8

Winner: £196,945

Going: Soft

Day Three`s feature race is the Grade One Ryanair Chase which is contested over a distance of 2m 5f. The race has been won by stars such as Albertas Run, Un De Sceaux, Vautour and Cue Card.

Frodon is back to defend his title on a course where he always looks at home. This is his third run here (he finished fifth in 2018) and looks to be back to his best after a strong showing in the Grade Two Silviniaco Conti at Kempton last time out. A price of 5/1 looks like a tempting option.

A Plus Tard won the Close Brothers Novices Handicap here last year and was last seen winning a Grade One at Leopardstown. It is no wonder that punters have been attracted to Henry De Bromhead`s runner who is likely to head off as favourite.

Saint Calvados is an interesting prospect for those looking for a big priced horse who could force his way into contention. He has little experience at this distance but looked to have more to give when coming second over this course and distance on New Year`s Day. He showed enough to suggest he could spring a surprise here.

Ryanair Chase Winners - past six years:

2014: Dynaste (8) - Tom Scudamore (David Pipe)

2015: Uxizandre (7) - Tony McCoy (Alan King)

2016: Vautour (7) - Ruby Walsh (Willie Mullins)

2017: Un de Sceaux (9) - Ruby Walsh (Willie Mullins)

2018: Balko Des Flos (7) - Davy Russell (H De Bromhead)

2019: Frodon (7) - Bryony Frost (PF Nicholls)

Latest Betting odds:

A Plus Tard (7/4), Min (9/4), Frodon (5/1), Riders Onthe Storm (10/1), Duc Des Genievres (20/1), Saint Calvados (20/1), Aso (25/1), Shattered Love (28/1).

By Neil Morris

Published on: 12/03/2020

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (12/03/2020 11:07:41) but are subject to change.