Ryanair Chase

The Ryanair Chase made its debut at the Cheltenham festival in 2005 and is registered as The Festival Trophy.

Run over 2m5f this grade one chase is seen as an easier alternative to the Gold Cup and has attracted quality fields in its first five runnings.

Ryanair Chase Trends

All five winners of this race had previous winning form at Cheltenham

All five winners of this race placed in either the Paddy Power Gold Cup or the Boylesports Gold Cup

All five winners of this race came from the first three in the betting market

All five winners of this race had no more than four runs since October

Four out of the five winners of this race were rated 152-157

2010 Ryanair Analysis

This will only the third year that the Ryanair has been a Grade One race so the class of winner may be improving from top grade handicapper to the horses just below Gold Cup and Champion Chase standard.

The key to ante-post bets in this race is finding a horse where this race is definitely the target. In too many cases this will be one of a number of options as connections decide between Champion Chase and Gold Cup alternatives or maybe even a handicap.

2010 Ryanair Form

Last year we went for Imperial Commander to upset odds-on shot Voy Por Ustedes and Nigel Twiston-Davies' horse did the job for us in some style winning at 6/1.

But this year it looks like Imperial Commander is going for the Gold Cup.

If Imperial Commander doesn't come back in 2010 look out for the horses of Paul Nicholls.

It goes without saying that the Champion Trainer is the man to watch at the Festival but he has had two winners and a third place in the five runnings so keep an eye on any of his horses with previous Cheltenham form who might be targeted at this race.

2010 Ryanair Tips

Paul Nicholls' Poquelin, Irish raider Tranquil Sea and The Queen's Barbers Shop are tussling for favouritism and appear to have all the necessary requirements to win a Ryanair Chase.
Here at Cheltenham Betting Guide we have been crossing our fingers all season long that Barbers Shop would end up in this race after being convinced that this distance is ideal for Nicky Henderson's chaser rather than the three miles plus he has been campaigned at for most of the 09/10 season. The Queen's son of Sadlers Hall has acquitted himself well in the Hennessy and King George but hopefully his true ability will shine through when returned to this trip.
Barber Shops Paddy Power form from last year with Imperial Commander is outstanding but his two main rivals have both franked their claims in the big winter handicaps at Cheltenham so a great race should be in prospect but Barber Shops is the selection.

Back Barbers Shop at the best odds by clicking on the bookmaker logo by its name below

Ryanair Chase Odds

Click the bookie logos below to get the best Ryanair Chase odds for your selection.

 

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