Ryanair Chase Race Preview

The Ryanair Chase is looking a competitive betting race this year and is for horses aged 5 years and over and is a grade 1 listed race. The race is run over almost 2 miles 5 furlongs and was won in 2008 by Our Vic who produced a fine performance to take first place. Our Vic is once again entered in this year race which will take place on the Thursday of the Cheltenham Festival the 12th March. Our Vic is among a number of strong contenders for this year’s race despite the fact he was pulled up on his last run in the King George at Kempton where he seemed to struggle throughout the race. However, Our Vic is a classy horse as he proved when he beat Gold Cup winner Kauto Star at Aintree in April last year so is a strong contender and he is currently available at a good looking 8/1 with several bookmakers.

Favourite for this year’s Ryanair Chase is currently Voy Por Ustedes who has been in excellent form and has been specifically targeted for this race. Voy Por Ustedes is currently a short priced 7/4 after a comfortable win in the Betfair Ascot Chase recently. Voy Por Ustedes also came a creditable 3rd in the King George at Kempton in December. He looks like the Horse to beat and he is likely to go off a strong favourite when the race comes round.

Other Contenders for the Ryanair Chase are Tidal Bay and Imperial Commander who both have strong claims to be successful. Last year’s Arkle Challenge winner Tidal Bay is second favourite at the moment and is priced at around 6/1 with the bookies. He came in third after tough slog at Cheltenham in his last run in the Letheby and Christopher Chase and is expected to go close this year if he can get his jumping right. Imperial Commander is available at 9/1 in the markets and has shown good form this season already when he won the Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase at Cheltenham in November.

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