Rest of Cheltenham

The Ryanair Chase over 2 miles 5 furlongs at 15.50 CET is the other big race at Cheltenham today, and here we hope to see a royal victory, as the Queen´s Barber Shop (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) mst have an excellent chance. Well beaten in the Gold Cup, Hennessy and King George, he is now being being brought back in distance and today´s trip seems ideal. The excellent form of trainer and jockey is an added argument.

On the other hand, Alan King´s stable is going through a sticky patch, and for that reason we pass over Voy por Ustedes (Robert Thornton) even though he is the highest rated runner. More dangerous in our view are Tranquil Sea (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara) and Poquelin (Paul Nicholls) first and second in the big handicap here in November. There is little between them on that form, but while the Irish runner is hoping for rain, Nicholls will be hoping the dry spell continues. Alberta `s Run (Jonjo O´Neill/ Tony McCoy) is another one who comes into the reckoning if the going stays on top.

The other 4 races look very difficult, with 20+ runners in each. Our short lists comprise Hey Big Spender( Colin and Joe Tizzard), Rivaliste (Nicholls/ Walsh) and The Hollinwell (Ferdy Murphy/ Graham Lee) in the opening novices handicap chase at 14.30, Alfie Sherrin (Nicholls/ Walsh), Ainama (Henderson/ Geraghty) and the German-breds Fredo and Maucaillou in the Pertemps Final at 15.05, Atouchbetweenthe (Venetia Williams/ Aidan Coleman), Watch my Back (Ferdy Murphy/ Graham Lee) and another German-bred Victorias Groom (Lucy Wadham/ Dougie Costello) in the handicap chase at 17.00 and finally, in the Kim Muir chase for amateurs at 17.40 Ballabriggs (Richard Harding) - despite top-weight- Galant Nuit (Murphy/ Nina Carberry) and Shillingstone (Sue Alner/ M. Walford).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Rivaliste - The Hollinwell - Hey Big Spender
2. Race: Alfie Sherrin - Ainama - Prince Erik
3. Race: Poquelin - Tranquil Sea - Barbers Shop
4. Race: Big Buck`S - Karabak - Tidal Bay
5. Race: Song Of Songs - Watch My Back - Sunnyhillboy
6. Race: Ballabriggs - Shillingstone - Galant Nuit