Ryanair Betting: Weather key to Somersby target

The Cheltenham Festival / Timeform / 29 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Somersby was the winner of the VC Chase at Ascot

"Somersby is currently second top on Timeform ratings, just 3 lbs behind Riverside Theatre for the Ryanair Chase..."

Henrietta Knight is leaving a decision on Somersby's Cheltenham target until as late as possible because of the unpredictability of the British weather...

While the Ryanair Chase over two miles five furlongs is her preferred option for the Victor Chandler Chase winner, the Lockinge handler would not rule out the Queen Mother Champion Chase if the ground was soft.

Somersby is currently second top on Timeform ratings, just 3 lbs behind Riverside Theatre for the Ryanair Chase and available to back at ([8.4]). He has a bit more to find with the Champion Chase principals and is considered 5 lbs inferior to reigning champion Sizing Europe. Somersby is ([18.0]) for that contest, however, and could prove ante-post value if he lines up.

"The Ryanair is my favourite for him but if it came up soft we'd think of the Champion. You never know with this country," said Knight.

Somersby took the Champion Chase route last season but was only fifth to Sizing Europe.

He finally landed that elusive Grade One triumph at Ascot over two miles and a furlong last time and has been enjoying an easy time with next-door neighbour Calgary Bay, who won the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster on Saturday.

"He's been in good form since Ascot and has been out in the field with Calgary Bay. They live next door to each other and are the best of pals," she added.

Alan King has the opposite problem with Medermit, who produced a career best when runner up in the December Gold Cup.

Although he, too, is leaning towards the Ryanair, Medermit will be given an entry in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Medermit is rated 6 lbs behind Somersby for the Ryanair Chase and has even more to find in the Gold Cup, 20 lbs behind Long Run. He does possess a decent Festival record, however, and can be backed for the Ryanair and Gold Cup at ([17.5]) and ([140.0]) respectively.

First up, however, is a likely clash against Long Run at Newbury on February 11.

"He'll got to Newbury in a fortnight for the Denman Chase, then we'll see," said the Barbury Castle trainer.

"He's entered in the Gold Cup, but I'd imagine he'd probably drop back for the Ryanair."

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