15:20 Cheltenham
Thursday 13 March 2025
All13:2014:0014:4015:2016:0016:4017:20
Ryanair Chase (Registered As The Festival Trophy) (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
- 5YO plus | Class 1 | 2m 4f 127y | Good to Soft | 9 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 15:20 | Winning time: 5m 9.61s
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Built on an eye-catching reappearance at Exeter when cruising to success at the expense of Protektorat in the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon. That one got his revenge at Windsor next time but was quickly back on song when landing Grade 2 at Newbury last month. Place claims probably his best hope.
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Three-time winner at the Festival and second in this last year. Drew a blank last season but back to winning ways when seeing off Hewick in 3m Down Royal Grade 1 on reappearance. On the retreat when departing in the back straight in the King George but no surprise to see a better showing back here.
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Top-class chaser who had Galopin des Champs behind when winning the John Durkan at Punchestown on reappearance but his stablemate proved too strong on both subsequent starts, latest when run out of second close home in Irish Gold Cup. Switched to this as a result and sets the standard.
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Veteran who scored at Uttoxeter last June and posted a good second of 6 in handicap chase at Worcester (23f) a couple of months later. Shaped as if still in form by making his presence felt stepping outside handicaps in Charlie Hall Chase but faces a very stiff task at this level 4 months on.
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Very smart chaser who doubled his tally over the larger obstacles at Wexford in October. Did all he could contesting his first Grade 1 in open company when fourth at Leopardstown over Christmas and he'll need to raise his game if he's to feature in this back in trip.
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Bold-jumping front runner who travels strongly and sparkled in the Kauto Star at Kempton last term. It's rather been feast or famine since but back to best when second in King George on Boxing Day, looking the most likely winner for much of the way. Capable of making a bold bid back down in trip.
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Won bumper, hurdle and chase on first 3 starts for Willie Mullins. Added a fourth victory to his tally at Tramore (Grade 3) on New Year's Day last year and made a winning return at Ascot in December (favourite fell early). Very lightly raced for his age and surely has more to offer.
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Made up into a very smart chaser last term and signed off with a smashing second in Aintree Grade 1. Good efforts in handicaps this term before gutsy winner of the Game Spirit at Newbury last month. Will need to find a fair bit of improvement for the extra distance in this company, however.
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Won this corresponding event last year and looked at least as good as ever switched back to front-running tactics when bolting up in the Fleur de Lys at Windsor in January, turning the tables with previous conqueror Djelo in no uncertain terms. Big player in his title defence.
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Forecasts
Fact To File (6/4), Il Est Francais (10/3), Protektorat (5/1), Djelo (15/2), Envoi Allen (12/1), Jungle Boogie (16/1), Heart Wood (18/1), Master Chewy (40/1), Hang In There (66/1)
FACT TO FILE has lost little in defeat behind his mighty stable-companion Galopin des Champs since his victory in the John Durkan and with the drop back in trip looking ideal he can notch up a second Festival victory. The dangers are Il Est Francais, who should prove a real sight on his first go over the Cheltenham fences, and last year's winner Protektorat, who is sure to be up with the pace from the off also.
Previous Winners
Prize Money
1st: £211,012.002nd: £79,500.003rd: £39,788.004th: £19,875.005th: £9,975.006th: £4,988.007th: £2,475.008th: £1,275.00
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