Cheltenham Festival 2013 - Ryanair Chase

2.40 Cheltenham Festival (Race, 3 Day 3)

Ryanair Chase (Registered As The Festival Trophy Chase) (Grade 1) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)

Winner £156,612

Advice: 3 pts win First Lieutenant (5/2 Boylesports, 9/4 general)

Albertas Run: Written his name into festival folklore when winning 2008 RSA Chase and this race in 2010 and 2011, along with desperately close second in last year’s renewal; Been off since however and miracle needed for him to be at his best.

Champion Court: Came into his own as novice chaser last term, winning C&D Grade 2 in exemplary style before second to Sir Des Champs in Jewson last year; Been in much the same form this season, travelling well from front in King George before stamina gave way for fourth in heavy ground; Best ignore last time out defeat and solid each/way shout.

Cue Card: Leading bumper, novice hurdler, and then novice chaser, running cracker when second to Sprinter Sacre in Arkle last year, and also deeply impressive in Haldon Gold Cup; Behind Champion Court in the King George but very impressive in Ascot Chase, for all that race fell very kindly for him; Expect big run nevertheless.

First Lieutenant: Relatively poor first season chasing but improved hand over fist for good ground and three miles when second to Bobs Worth in RSA and given good ground and galloping track, once again showed his best when fantastic front running third in Hennessy, and only beaten half a length into second in top quality edition of Lexus; Winner of Neptune Novice Hurdle here so this C&D should be perfect for him, and stable already had two cracking runs this week, and big chance on form.

For Non Stop: Third in Jewson at last year’s festival, although well behind Champion Court on that occasion; Spread-eagled his field in the Old Roan Chase in deeply impressive style, but not had the same conditions since; Suspicion that he was a little flattered and while good ground form would give him decent chance, he needs to find improvement to figure here.

Ghizao: Hard to imagine that he’ll be good enough following his third behind  eased-down Cue Card at Ascot last month; Don’t see it happening.

Menorah: Former Supreme novices winner and Champion Hurdle, extremely impressive over this the trip the last twice he’s run over it, although lot of ground to make up with Cue Card on Exeter run and jumping can still be a problem for him; More needed to make impact.

Riverside Theatre: Always threatened to take a major title and did so when needing every last yard to win last year; Easy to forgive two runs since (over the top at Aintree, ground did for him in King George) and player if back to his best after treatment for ulcers.

VERDICT: This is now one of the best races of the week and there’s the potential for the race to be just as thrilling as last year with so many top class horses in attendance. Mouse Morris has twice found one too good in championship events this week but his FIRST LIEUTEANT is a worthy favourite and will take the beating, although any number can be given a chance; Cue Card and Riverside Theatre look his main threats although a bold show from Champion Court would be no surprise.