Wayne Bailey / 24 February 2009 Free Bet

With Denman disappointing on his reappearance, and Master Minded trading as low as [1.40], punters are looking for a new banker for the Cheltenham festival, and many seem to think they've found it in the guise of Voy Por Ustedes for the Ryanair Chase. Indeed, Alan King's eight-year-old now heads the market as short as [2.7], and has been consistently supported since winning the Betfair Ascot Chase in a cracking display of ability on St Valentine's Day. The longer trips have worked a treat this season, and a distance of 2m5f which includes the famous Cheltenham hill at the top should suit perfectly.

The Ryanair Chase is one of the newer races added to the fixture list when the festival was extended to four days in 2005, but at times it's proved disappointing for ante-post punters - with some entrants swerved in favour of the Queen Mother Champion Chase or the Gold Cup instead. But Voy Por Ustedes now looks likely to take part on the day, and the [2.7] on offer is likely to drop between now and the 12th March.

Next in the market lies Our Vic, the eleven-year-old veteran trained by David Pipe. He won this race last year, and then surprised us all by winning the Totesport Bowl Chase at Aintree at the Expense of Kauto Star, Exotic Dancer and Monet's Garden. However, he was pulled up last-time-out in the King George at Kempton which was not exactly ideal for his preparation.

Punters are being cautious about Tidal Bay, who now trades at [8.60] having once been as low as [5.20] and the market suggests there still may be doubts as to whether he will take part or not. He also holds an entry for the Queen Mother - but his odds of [55.0] there suggest that the Ryanair is still the most likely option.

Imperial Commander has attracted a small amount of support at [12.0], with the rest of the field priced [20.0] and upwards.

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