Ryanair Chase Tips, Odds & Runners

The Ryanair: Speed and Stamina Combined

The Ryanair Chase, run over two and a half miles, is the championship race for chasers who fall between the two-mile speed test of the Queen Mother and the three-and-a-quarter-mile slog of the Gold Cup. It requires a unique blend of speed, stamina, and jumping prowess. This year’s renewal is a blockbuster, with last year’s winner, a former Gold Cup hero, and a host of rising stars.

Willie Mullins has dominated this race, winning it five times in the last eight years. He saddles three runners this year, including the favourite’s main market rival. The race has been a good one for favourites, with 5 of the 10 last winning.

The Contenders: Elliott’s Star vs The Mullins Machine

Fact To File (2/1) is the hot favourite, trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy. He has been sensational this season, winning all three of his starts, including a breathtaking performance in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown. He has been backed by three national newspaper tipsters and looks the one to beat. Elliott’s strike rate at Cheltenham is a concern, but his record in Grade 1's is much better

Banbridge (4/1), trained by Joseph O’Brien, is a horse who has been aimed at this race all season. He was second in the Arkle last year and has improved again this term. He is the choice of one newspaper nap and will be ridden by Mark Walsh, who has an excellent 16% strike rate at the Festival.

Impaire Et Passe (5/1) is a French raider trained by Robert Collet. He was a top-class hurdler and has taken to fences with aplomb, winning his only start over the larger obstacles. He is an unknown quantity but could be anything. One newspaper nap backs him.

The Each-Way & Dark Horse Value

With 10 runners, most bookmakers will be paying three places, making the each-way market an attractive proposition.

Heart Wood (14/1), trained by Henry De Bromhead,. Has yet to win at above Grade 3 level although he only just failed against Croke Park in a less competitive Grade 1 than this at Fairyhouse

Jonbon (11/2) as maintained an incredibly high standard in Grade 1s over 2m but, although he has won here, his rare reverses have come on this track; no longer quite the speedster he used to be at 2m and the extra stamina test was a help when winning at Ascot.

Stats & Trends

Our 1-2-3 Prediction

1. Fact To File (2/1) - He looks a superstar in the making and is the most likely winner.
2. Banbridge (4/1) - Has been aimed at this race all season and will run a big race.
3. Impaire Et Passe (5/1) -He is an unknown quantity but could be anything. One newspaper nap backs him.