2021 Cheltenham Festival: Ryanair Chase Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does the 2021 Cheltenham Festival take place? Tuesday 16th March – Friday 19th March, 2021
What time does the Ryanair Chase start? Thursday 18th March, 2021 – 14:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for the 2021 Cheltenham Festival? The 2021 Cheltenham Festival will take place without spectators
What TV channel is the 2021 Cheltenham Festival on in the UK? ITV will be televising the first six races of each day, while Racing TV subscribers will be able to watch all of the action
Where can I stream the 2021 Cheltenham Festival in the UK? The first six races of each day can be streamed live on the ITV Hub, while Racing TV subscribers can live stream all of the action
THE LOWDOWN
This looks to be a high-quality Ryanair Chase with several horses all in with a good chance of getting their nose in front. Veteran Min has 11 wins to his name when chasing with one of those successes coming in this race last year, although it is a slight concern that he was pulled up in his latest run at Leopardstown in February. Allaho looks to be the biggest threat to his crown after an eye-catching win at Thurles in January but he will have to go some way to reverse the form having finished 34l behind Min in their clash at Punchestown in December but he looks suited to this trip. Imperial Aura is another previous Festival winner having won the Novices’ Handicap Chase last year and Kim Bailey’s horse should challenge for honours once again here. He unseated his rider last time out at Kempton having won his last three races prior but he can put that behind him over a distance that suits.
THE PREDICTION
This is a tough race to call but Imperial Aura can just do enough to come out on top if he can get back to his best jumping form. After a disappointing showing last time out in which he unseated David Bass, the break should be a welcome one and he can respond by producing a big performance here to record a second successive winner at the Festival. However, if he does fail to get in front, his jumping is good enough to at least finish in the frame.
Tip: Imperial Aura (ew) @ 7/1 –
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