Could not disagree more, for years both trainers and owners moaned that there was not a genuine G1 race open to all at a catch distance between Champion chase & Gold cup. The real reason people slag it off is because, it lacks genuine history that both the other races have. No doubt in years to come the Ryanair will grow in stature & significance. Anyone who belittles the Ryanair as race is not even a racing fan in my book. Take a look at the possible contenders for this years race and try and tell me that's not a genuine G1 race that deserves as much credit as any of the others at the festival. #Casey deluded farmer
Damn!..I have been outed as "...not even a racing fan.." for expressing a valid contrary opinion Suppose it could be worse...Poor old Peter Casey has been tagged "..not even a racing fan..." ,"clueless" and a "deluded farmer"!
Maybe a little vociferously put but I agree with Gal. Casey is a deluded farmer. Put Flemenstar with Needles, Nicholls or Mullins and he'd improve and be run in the right race.
I don't know Peter Casey personally so I'll take your word for the first bit. I totally agree the horse would be better off with a division 1 trainer but at least he's being targeted at the right race. The Melling at Liverpool over a flat 2m4f on a front runners course was always going to be ideal as I have said months ago.
Inclined to disagree with Gal, it's no CC or Gold Cup. It's not just the history of those races but the history of others as well over the same/similar trip, such as the King George (and others) over 3 miles. The Ryan Air, in my opinion, is a great addition to the festival as there are a number of good horses who need that trip but no-one wants a 2m4f horse over a 2 miler or a 3 miler.
I do Dex so you can take it from me. I agree Aintree is the right target. Been saying it for a while also. Cheltenham's hill will be too taxing for him compared to the opposition in whatever race he runs.
And to go 1 step further, look at the top 4 in the market Cue Card - 2 miler but knows can't beat Sprinter Sacre First Lieu - RSA chase placed. Would be Gold Cup bound if it weren't for Gigginstown having better horses in that race. Fin Rain - Champion Chase winner. Likely to go here to dodge Sprinter Sacre. If at any other yard, likely in the CC Sizing Europe - Champion Chase winner. If he runs in this race it's only because he's dodging Sprinter Sacre. If they all turn up no doubt an interesting race though.
I'm still hopeful they'll run Sizing Europe in the Champion Chase, he'll be a real good yardstick to measure Sprinter Sacre by. I think a gallant 2nd there (like last year) is worth much more than a 5th in the Ryanair
