William Hill went NRNB for the Cheltenham Festival on New Year’s Day and Steve Ryder has had a look through the markets to highlight any horses of interest as a result.
Ryanair Chase
Il Est Francais
The Noel George & Amanda Zetterholm trained star bounced back to form at Kempton when runner-up in the King George which led to his odds shortening for both the Ryanair Chase and the Champion Chase as a result.
He is now a best priced 16/1 chance for the Champion Chase or 7/1 (William Hill) with NRNB but I am more interested in his price for the Ryanair Chase.
He got into a fantastic rhythm at Kempton once again over the 3 miles and if they were to target the Cheltenham Festival and not wait for Aintree (the Melling Chase on a flat track looks ideal) then I am sure they will run in this race.
IL EST FRANCAIS is available at 12/1 for the Ryanair Chase but given the doubts around his participation I would take a chance on him at 4/1 with the NRNB concession.
The likes of Banbridge, Fact To File, Gaelic Warrior and Energumene all have other more likely targets and he could prove a short priced favourite on the day.
Recommended Bet: Il Est Francais in the Ryanair Chase at 4/1 NRNB (1pt) (William Hill)
Champion Chase
El Fabiolo
The NRNB concession is often a popular market for horses who are returning from an injury and that is the case with EL FABIOLO.
The Willie Mullins trained star lost his unbeaten record in the Champion Chase last season when sent off 2/9 favourite before finishing 2nd behind Jonbon at Sandown in the Celebration Chase when Willie Mullins was targeting the British trainer’s championship.
He hasn’t been seen so far this season due to a setback but could return at the Dublin Racing Festival in February.
He would have the option of both the Champion Chase where he is a best priced 9/1 or 6/1 with NRNB and the Ryanair Chase where he is best priced at 8/1 or 5/1 with NRNB at William Hill.
With Gaelic Warrior being beaten at Christmas over 2m1f I believe he may now step up in trip and target the Ryanair Chase.
Willie Mullins also has Energumene for the Champion Chase but he seems best on softer ground and I will take a chance on El Fabiolo at 6/1 for a race that he was sent off 2/9 for last season.
Recommended Bet: El Fabiolo in the Champion Chase at 6/1 NRNB (1pt) (William Hill)
