Recent entries on Betfair Ireland
Cheltenham 2010 Betting: The Ryanair Chase
Eoin Ryan / 09 November 2009 Free Bet View Market
Voy Por Ustedes was last seen when winning the John Smith's Melling Chase at Aintree.
“Nicky Henderson’s Barbers Shop [17.00] is perhaps one of the most interesting at a price; as he was keeping the very best company last season over 3miles+ (ran in the Gold Cup) and would be a huge player at this level if a step back in trip was deemed the route to go.”
It was promoted to Grade 1 status in 2008 though and the ante post market this year lists the Alan King-trained Voy Por Ustedes at the head of affairs at [6.00] and his conqueror in this very race last season, Imperial Commander, at [7.60]. Both are top class. Similarly though, both have tried trips in excess of the 2M5F of the Ryanair Chase and neither has managed to win over it, fuelling a belief that sub 3M trips are required for both now. It's particularly hard to argue the contrary in the case of Imperial Commander, who has time and again been tried over 3M+ and failed to get competitive - save for a point to point win at Summerhill!
He signed off last season with a dreadful display at Punchestown when pulled-up in the Guinness Gold Cup and connections will more than likely map a different route to Cheltenham for him this season. Tidal Bay [17.00] has been consistent, if a little disappointing since his Festival win in 2008 but it must be noted that he has suffered from back and wind problems recently. Said to be over these niggles now, his comeback run behind Monet's Garden in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree confirmed that he is again going to be there or thereabouts this season.
Others of note in Betfair's ante post market include Dessie Hughes's Schindlers Hunt, who proved a revelation last season once stepped up in trip from 2miles. He registered a win at Leopardstown at Christmas before finishing third in the Ryanair Chase and second in the Melling Chase and the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown - behind Notre Pere. He has already had a pipe-opener over hurdles and ran well to finish second. Further improvement this season will mark him out as a real player in this company.
Planet of Sound [21.00] landed the Haldon Gold Cup last week at Exeter and looks well worth following while Trafford Lad has a little to prove now having been beaten on each of his last four runs; admittedly by small margins and by nice types. Nicky Henderson's Barbers Shop [17.00] is perhaps one of the most interesting at a price; as he was keeping the very best company last season over 3miles+ (ran in the Gold Cup) and would be a huge player at this level if a step back in trip was deemed the route to go.
