Ryanair Chase Tips

For a race that has had many detractors in it’s sixteen-year history, there can be no doubt anymore as to the merit of the Ryanair as part of the Festival line up

It’s a proper Grade One chase.

Envoi Allen returns to defend his Ryanair Chase crown in 2024, but this is among the most open races of the Cheltenham Festival.

Henry de Bromhead’s horse will again be steered by Rachael Blackmore and the combination stands every chance of a repeat victory.

They will not, however, have it all their own way. The aforementioned is currently 4/1 in the betting along with Paul Nichols’ Stage Star.

Having been pulled up when running here on New Year’s Day is a concern, but his Cheltenham record is strong. Heavily fancied to make a big go of this race, keep an eye on the market.

Of the 11 runners none can be ruled out with absolute faith.

Bryony Frost rides Hitman, another from the Nichols’ stable, and at 20/1 there’s every chance of a place even if a win is unlikely. Fil Dor, trained by Gordon Elliot, is a 12/1 shot and while not the most reliable, is the type to spring a surprise.

Elliot also enters Conflated. Unseated the rider the last two efforts but was running well, and this is definitely a horse in with a shout at 6/1.

Willie Mullins enters Capodanno, a first class runner who may have ground concerns, while 9/2 shot Banbridge is also perhaps not suited by the conditions, but we rate him very highly and if anyone is tackling Envoi Allen, this could be the runner to look at.

Day 3 featured races quick links:

13:30 Turner Novices Chase Tips
14:10 Pertemps Final Tips
14:50 Ryanair Chase Tips
15:30 Stayers Hurdle Tips
16:10 Plate Handicap Tips
16:50 Mares Hurdle Tips
17:30 Kim Muir Tips

Previous update: Ryanair Chase 2023

Allaho has dominated this race in the past two years with bloodless victories winning the race by twelve lengths and fourteen lengths respectively.

So when the news came out in mid January that he will be missing Cheltenham this year it sprang open the market and was looking for someone to put their mark on the race.

Out came Shishkin when stepping up in trip in the Ascot Chase last time.

Looking a completely different horse to his two disappointing performances at Cheltenham & Sandown he was in a better jumping rhythm and travelled with a lot more fluency.

The pace of the race seemed to suit him a lot more as they appeared to go at a slower gallop than the two mile chases which he’s been contesting in previous years.

He won comfortably in the end at Ascot when looking a little under pressure when coming round the bend but he galloped market rivals Pic D’orhy & Fakir D’oudairies aside.

The Nicky Henderson trained gelding hit the line strongly and a lot of talk after the race was could he step up in trip again to run in the Gold Cup?

Willie Mullins Blue Lord and Janidil

However, the Thursday of Cheltenham moves to the new course which sees more of a stamina test which will only suit this lad.

His price is short enough for a horse who has had some issues and even though I respect him at the top of the market his price isn’t something I’m interested in.

Willie Mullins is of course mob handed here with two decent chances in Blue Lord & Janidil.

The latter has spent most of his career chasing stable companions home including in this race last year. He won comfortably in the Red Mills Chase after being off since April when he pulled up in the Punchestown Gold Cup.

A lot of paddock watchers said he would have come on for that run pre race but that certainly did not show during it.

He beat Haut En Couleurs who was an unlucky loser of the Horse & Jockey Chase and well fancied to get his justice.

Janidil came with a late storming run to nab the favourite and even made a slight error at the last.

He’s clearly been targeted for this race all season and I fully respect his chances in this.

His stable companion Blue Lord looked like he was screaming for a step up in trip when being beaten by Gentleman De Mee last time.

He had been impressive in Grade One & Two’s this season after an excellent novice season last year.

Paul Townend said he felt flat throughout the race and wasn’t his usual.

He looks to want this step up in trip and I believe it will suit him.

To summarise, I believe that Shishkin has all the credentials to win this race but is too short for me to be backing him.

I believe last year’s runner up Janidil is a decent each way bet at 13/2 as he looks to build on that good comeback run at Gowran Park

Janidil E/W 13/2