The Ryanair Chase is the first of two feature races on Thursday at the festival. Those who bet on Cheltenham will be singling this race out as one of the best of the week.
This race is seen as the one for those who don’t quite see out the Gold Cup distance, this is only 2m5f.
Having said that, it still takes a lot of courage to win this, and a brave horse.
A potential thriller and fascinating race because we can’t say for sure which Willie Mullins runners will turn up. He currently has three of the top five in the betting, and his decisions will shape this market.
We are looking elsewhere though, at a horse that has been a real improver this season and one that we know loves Cheltenham.
The horse is Imperial Aura, who has gone from strength to strength since winning at the Festival in 2020. He’s won a listed race and a Grade Two contest, and it looks as though even more is on the horizon for him.
With uncertainty surrounding the Mullins camp, he is a rock solid pick, and an intended runner.
As mentioned the betting market is going to be determined by what Willie Mullins does.
Allaho is 5/1 favourite, Min is in behind at 6/1 and Mullins also has Melon at 6/1 who could run here.
Imperial Aura is now priced up at 6/1 while the other main British contender appears to be Mister Fisher, who can be backed at 8/1 for this contest.
Saint Calvados at 9/1 may interest some people too, he is a horse who had Gold Cup aspirations but the trip stretches him, so a drop back here for the Ryanair Chase gives him the chance to be competitive.
*Odds correct at time of publication