Seventeen fences over 2 miles 5 furlongs constitutes the challenge of the Ryanair Chase, a race which has divided opinions since its inception in 2005 as one of a number of new races introduced with the move to a 4 day festival. "Purists" argued it was a stop gap race for horses who were either too slow for the Champion Chase but lacking the stamina for the Gold Cup, and that it would reduce the number of participants in the 2 more established contests. But I maintain that there is a huge chasm between the speedy, slick jumping of the 2 mile championship and the gruelling test of the blue riband, and this race fills that gap admirably. In its short history the race has produced some tremendously exciting finishes and it holds a special place in my heart as I landed my biggest ever win at the festival courtesy of a lumpy e/w bet on Albertas Run at 14/1 in the 2010 renewal. Cue Card's dominant display last season, and the dramatic victory of Riverside Theatre the year before, serve to demonstrate what a thrilling race this is. There are a number of races which could be considered trials for the Ryanair - The Old Roan Chase, Peterborough Chase, Haldon Gold Cup, Paddy Power Gold Cup, Amlin 1965 Chase, John Durkan, December Gold Cup, King George, Lexus, Hennessy and Ascot Chase being the most familiar. Latest betting can be found at Oddschecker HERE As of January 9th, Cue Card is a solid favourite at around 5/2 - 3/1 after his apparent failure to last home on the King George. Here the latest odds from Bet 365: Cue Card 5/2 First Lieutenant 6 Al Ferof, Benefficient 7 Riverside Theatre 8 Dynaste, Wonderful Charm, Twinlight 10 Arvika Ligeonniere, Captain Conan 12 14/1 Bar A fascinating clash between established chasers, second season horses and potentially even the odd novice chaser thrown in for good luck, the Ryanair Chase will no doubt once again provide a thrilling spectacle on day 3 of the festival.
Cue Card 10/3 with 888 Sport. Wouldn't back against Cue Card over this distance but even 10/3 is too small for me in January.
All over Al Ferof for this. Very confident that this is the target and am already on. In fact this is my biggest bet so far ante post.
I got 20-1 re Twinlight ew Oddy. Betvictor NRFB I seem to be in the Irish camp this year, Our Conor, Annie Power, Twinlight and Moyle Park!
NRNB 3-1 Cue Card is the best bet of the meeting. Smashed this last year and WILL follow up! So pleased that they are targeting this race, its tailor made for him!
Is Cue Card deffo going for the Ryanair rather than the CGC?!? 2 days ago the owners went to the expense of entering a possible pacemaker for him in the CGC (Theatre Guide). Hawkeye, similarly I wouldn't be so sure about Al Ferof going for the Ryanair. This week the 'ante-post lad' in the Weekender tipped him up at 20's for the CGC. Apparently, Mr Nicholls wants to go for the Ryanair but the owner is adamant that he wants him prepared for the big 'un. His next race is the 3 mile Denman at Newbury next month and unless he obviously fails to get home it would appear the owner wants a crack at the main prize.
I thought that Al Ferof stayed pretty well in the King George which was on testing ground. Having had the best part of a year off surely Al Ferof is just going to develop and improve. He got home very well in the Paddy Power Gold Cup that he won which was on soft ground at Cheltenham and loves the course as we know based on previous festival appearances. If it comes up good or good to soft at Cheltenham I would say this horse has an outstanding chance in the big race.
Cue Card 99.9% Gold Cup .............................. Tizzard's are adamant he stays and are going for Gold. He's not even dec'd in the Champion Chase, Gold Cup all the way !!!!! By the way, I don't think he'll be in the first 3, he won't get up the hill when push comes to shove, returning champion Bobs Worth will sort him out, Silvi Conti and First Ltn fighting out for the places.
The "will he stay or not" debate around Cue Card is fascinating. He seemed to get the 3m1f no problem at Haydock and looked all over the winner in the King George until the last fence. The turnaround with Silviniaco Conti was about 9 lengths and it is possible that SC improved that much between Haydock (seasonal debut) and Kempton. My first impression was that Cue Card didn't stay but with hindsight perhaps he was just outstayed by SC? Cue Card's prominent racing style probably costs him more energy than being held up so might we see different tactics if he goes for the blue riband i.e. will he be "ridden to get the trip?"
Smashing horse though he is, Cue Card is one I've strangely never warmed to since his novice days. Seems to always find one too good in the hot races but in fairness he's been beaten by some very good ones! In terms of Cheltenham races I'll comment here as I feel this is his best chance, but I suspect the owners will go for the big one and fair play to them for giving it a crack. Two opinions. 1. If he's in the Ryanair he's almost a 'good thing' in my view. This is his race and he'll be a lot, lot shorter than 3-1 on the day. 2. If he's in the Gold Cup and I was a bookmaker he'd be a LAY, LAY, LAY. He's not getting home after 3m 2f round Cheltenham and I can see him being outstayed by at least a couple.
I cant believe they will go for the Gold Cup after he "emptied" at Kempton. He is nailed on to win the Ryanair but I guess the owners will have the last word!
With Cue Card reporting to be 85% certain to run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup there is suddenly serious value in the Ryanair market if you're quick. I'm looking for a hoer with no pretentious to the CGC, who has Cheltenham form and who's got a little left in the tank that we don't know of yet. And I've come up with nothing. If Cue Card does defect to the main event this becomes a borderline grade 2.
Never write off Riverside Theatre- loves the course and showed in the Peterborough Chase he still has it in him even tho the race didnt go his way.
I'm on MARITO at fancy odds, Ruby will ride, Mullins trained and the price won't last long. Looks to have progressed looking at his class 1 win last month, has speed and stays, must go close and with the race cutting up, he's the value ATM.
Does anyone have any news on For Non Stop. Third in this last year and not seen this term and trading at stupid prices on betfair??
Sold to Matt Coleman of Anthony Stroud Bloodstock for 175 grand and gone racing in the USA http://bloodstock.racingpost.com/ne...top-to-race-in-us-after-175-000-sale/1334158/
