The
Cheltenham Festival 2018. The Ryanair Chase (registered as The
Festival Trophy) is a Grade 1 National Hunt race open to horses aged
five years and older. This race run over 2m 5f has seventeen fences.
It takes place on the 15th March at 2:50 Cheltenham.
Inaugurated
in 2005, this contest takes part on the new, left-handed course.
The most successful horse to have won this race on two occasion is Albertas Run in 2010, 2011.
The
most successful jockey with four wins is Ruby Walsh, ranging from
2005 – 2017. The most recent being Un De Sceaux. Willie Mullins has
proved victorious in the last two runs with the above mentioned and
Vautour in 2016. Other trainers with two wins include: Paul Nicholls,
Jonjo O'Neill, Nicky Henderson & David Pipe.
The
youngest horse to win this race is Taranis aged six back in 2007. The
oldest being ten-year-old Albertas Run (2011), Fondmort (2006) &
Our Vic (2008).
2:50
Cheltenham - The Ryanair Chase (registered as The Festival Trophy).
Don't miss these Cheltenham betting tips. I'm really looking
forward to this race because it has a nice shape. The betting could
be key for a few of the big fancies. I know a lot of punters detest
taking anything less than 5/1 for each-way wagers.
The
leading contenders:
Un
Des Sceaux is trained by Willie Mullins, winner of this race in
2017. This French-bred gelding is a son of Denham Red who has won 20
of his 26 races and achieved total prize money over £1m. This
ten-year-old kept on ''gamely'' to win this race last year by just
under two lengths. It would be a brave layer to push this horse too
far in the betting. With odds of 3/1 he could well start favourite.
If touching an each-way price (5/1) this could be a dream bet.
It
is worth noting that a lot of these horses have a number of entries
across the Cheltenham Festival. It is one reason to take care when
considering ante-post bets even if the trainer suggests a particular
route. Considering Un Des Sceaux won last year at odds of 7/4f
(touching 15/8 in places), so it makes sense he will be heading here
once more.
Other
horses prominent in the betting for Willie Mullins include: Douvan
8/1, Min 10/1, Yorkhill 10/1, Benie Des Dieux, Djakadam 16/1,
Killultagh Vic 20/1, Bachasson 20/1 & Bellshill 25/1. It shows
how trainers have many strings to their bow and have horse in waiting
if change is needed.
Waiting
Patiently is trained by Ruth Jefferson. This handler from Norton,
North Yorkshire must be excitement personified with this son of
Flemensfirth. This seven-year-old bay gelding races in the ownership
of Richard Collins. Seven straight wins have seen an official rating
from 120 to 156. This progressive gelding added to his lustre beating
Cue Card on last start. Bookmakers have this major hope priced at
4/1. If touching odds of 5/1+ I'd jump in with an each-way bet.
Other
horses fancied in the betting include:
Fox
Norton who hails from Colin Tizzards yard and 6/1 in the betting. Top
Notch, trained by Nicky Henderson, at 8/1. Douvan priced at 8/1.
Yorkhill, one of a number of talents for Willie Mullins at 10/1.
While Mrs S Ricci's charge, Min, at 10/1. Henry De Bromhead will be
hopeful with Balko Des Flos priced 12/1 with leading bookmakers.
At
the time of writing, 28 horses are entered at this declaration stage
which will be significantly reduced leading up to the race. Until you
have firm convictions, I would be very careful taking ante-post
prices. However, there are opportunities to make the your betting pay
and Waiting Patiently could be a fair each-way bet if touching 5/1+.