The Road to Cheltenham: Waiting game required for Ryanair hope Patiently

Follow The Money
18 February 2018

We're just over three weeks away from this year's Cheltenha Festival

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It wasn't the most significant weekend in terms of Cheltenham Festival contenders, but the Follow The Money team still noted a few performances that caused the antepost markets to react...

"Noel Fehilly indicated afterwards that the horse stays well, with the Albert Barlett notoriously stamina sapping, the race could play into his hands. Chef Des Obeaux is currently trading at 10.519/2."

Gowran Park

Our Duke came back in to form in the Red Millis Chase, defeating Presenting Percy in to second place, with Jessica Harrington's eight-year-old seeming to find more off the bridle. The form looks quite solid, Presenting Percy an exciting novice in his own right and is available at 4.03/1 for the RSA Chase. Noel Fehily is set to ride Our Duke in the Gold Cup and is currently trading at 11.010/1.

Ascot

Waiting Patiently was an impressive winner of the the Betfair Ascot Chase, runner up was the old boy Cue Card putting in an admirable performance. The winner put in a fine round of lumping and with Ruth Jefferson recently taking over from the recently deceased Malcolm Jefferson it was a fitting tribute.

The horse is now available at 7.413/2 for the Ryanair, however punters should be aware that the horse may not line up at Prestbury Park, despite being hugely talented Jefferson's horse is quite ground dependant and it's likely he would only take his place if the ground was to come up soft.

Black Corton put in an exciting front running display winning the Reynoldstown Novice Chase. Under a well judged ride from Bryony Frost the seven-year-old stayed on well from Miss Parfois, despite giving weight away. With part owner Jeremy Kyle indicating that the horse will eventually be a Gold Cup horse, it is clearly highly thought of. Black Corton is currently available at 10.09/1 for the RSA.

Wincanton

Elgin won the Kingwell Hurdle on Saturday in a likeable manner, with Harry Skelton's Chitibello proving a bit disappointing in second place. Connections have indicated that Alan King's charge may now be supplemented for the Champion Hurdle. With the race lacking depth bar the heavy odds on Buveur D'Air, Elgin may be able to squeak in to the places and is available in the To Be Placed market at 6.25/1.

Haydock

The Albert Bartlett this year seems to have an open enough feel to it, Nicky Henderson's Chef Des Obeaux threw his hat in to the ring after winning at Newbury on Saturday. Noel Fehilly indicated afterwards that the horse stays well, with the Albert Barlett notoriously stamina sapping, the race could play into his hands. The six-year-old is currently trading at 10.519/2.