As the anticipation for the Cheltenham Festival reaches a crescendo, racing enthusiasts eagerly await the thrilling drama of the Ryanair Chase — a Grade 1 showcase of staying chasers that promises to enthral on Day Three of the festivities.
In this analysis, we unravel the contenders vying for supremacy in today’s horse racing betting odds, examining their form and prospects as they prepare to etch their names into the annals of racing history.
Banbridge – 11/4
Banbridge boasts an impressive track record at Prestbury Park, securing victories in both the hurdles and fences spheres — including a notable win in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle at the 2022 Festival.
Despite missing out on last year’s Grade 1 Turners Novices’ Chase due to ground conditions, Banbridge remains undefeated at Cheltenham.
The Joseph O’Brien-trained gelding showcased his prowess with a triumphant return at Kempton in January, clinching victory in the Grade 2 Silviniaco Conte Chase and emerging as a formidable contender for the Ryanair Chase.
Envoi Allen – 7/2
Envoi Allen left spectators speechless 12 months ago with a remarkable victory in the Ryanair Chase, overcoming the odds to claim victory over the heavily favoured Shishkin.
Trained by Henry de Bromhead, the 10-year-old gelding has struggled to replicate that form in subsequent outings, with lacklustre performances in graded contests at Aintree and Gowran Park.
While a second-place finish at Down Royal in November showed promise, concerns linger over Envoi Allen’s preparation — compounded by setbacks including unfavourable ground conditions and health issues in recent months.
Stage Star – 4/1
Adding an extra layer of intrigue to the Ryanair Chase is Stage Star, a former Cheltenham Festival winner trained by Paul Nicholls.
With a stellar campaign last year, including a standout victory in the Turners Novices’ Chase at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival, Stage Star demonstrated his class and potential.
However, questions arose after a disappointing outing at Aintree — attributed to fatigue from a demanding season.
Although Stage Star bounced back with a commendable performance at Cheltenham in November, concerns surfaced following a lacklustre showing on New Year’s Day — prompting caution among punters considering backing him.
Fastorslow – 9/2
Martin Brassil could throw a massive spanner in the works ahead of the Ryanair Chase, as his stable star Fastorslow has been slashed from 33/1 to 9/2 for the Thursday feature.
The eight-year-old famously beat Galopin Des Champs in back-to-back Grade 1s at Punchestown in April and November of last year.
However, the Willie Mullins-trained horse reversed the form when they met again at Leopardstown last month and Brassil could avoid Galopin Des Champs in the Gold Cup and opt to go for the Ryanair Chase.
While top trainer Mullins finds himself without a contender in the top three of the betting, the esteemed trainer’s track record in the Ryanair Chase speaks volumes with five wins in the last eight years.
With outsiders like Capodanno (6/1), Appreciate It (20/1) and Classic Getaway (25/1) in his arsenal, Mullins remains a formidable force capable of springing surprises and stealing the prize once again.
