Timeform run the rule over what looks one of the most competitive Grade 1s over the four days of the Cheltenham Festival, the Ryanair Chase...
Albertas Run is a three-time Festival winner, including last 2 runnings of this contest. Won Grade 2 at Aintree in October on return, but injury has kept him off since. Obvious claims if fully recovered.
Captain Chris was last season's Arkle winner. Finished a creditable third behind Kauto Star and Long Run in the King George, but ran no sort of race in Argento Chase here last time, jumping violently right.
Forpadydeplasterer is without a win since the 2009 Arkle though has finished in the frame in all but one of his 12 starts since, beaten 11 lengths when fourth to Somersby in Grade 1 at Ascot last time.
Great Endeavour landed the Festival Plate in 2010, and impressive winner of Paddy Power in November. Excuses for couple of defeats since, and worth his place at the top table, for all he'll need a career best to win.
Kalahari King has never been out of the frame in 4 visits to the Festival, and back to best when second to Albertas Run in this contest last year. Pulled up in 2 of 3 starts since, however, and questions to answer now.
Little Josh won 2010 PP Gold Cup, and shaped well until stamina stretched in Argento Chase on belated return. Race may have come too soon when flopping last time, but still plenty to prove at present.
Medermit built on novice form when landing Haldon Gold Cup on return, and better form in defeat since, beaten 3 lengths by Riverside Theatre in Ascot Chase last time. Sound each-way claims based on that.
Noble Prince took the Jewson here in 2011, and has improved this term, second to Big Zeb at Navan and Leopardstown and to Blazing Tempo at Fairyhouse, all around 2m. Return to further will suit, and considered.
Poquelin's last 5 wins gained here, and ran respectably when chasing home The Giant Bolster in 21f Grade 3 handicap in January. Only fourth in this in 2011, and place may be best he can hope for again.
Realt Dubh was third in 2011 Arkle, and took Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse in April. Not seen since chasing home Captain Chris at Punchestown in early-May, however. Engaged 3.20 Cheltenham Wednesday.
Riverside Theatre is a lightly-raced chaser who has won Ascot Chase on last 2 starts, beating Gauvain 10 lengths in 2011 and Medermit 3 lengths on return last month, looking as good as ever. Bit in hand on form.
Rubi Light was a good third in this last year, and as good as ever when making all in John Durkan at Punchestown and Red Mills Chase at Gowran on heavy ground this term. Not so easy dominating these, but respected.
Somersby finally ended a frustrating run at top level when overhauling Finian's Rainbow at Ascot (17f) in January in first-time cheekpieces. 2½m looks his ideal trip these days, and solid place claims.
Blazing Tempo is a Galway Plate heroine who has gone on to score twice in graded company since, her best effort coming when beating Noble Prince at Fairyhouse in January. Bit more needed to bridge gap to top level.
Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Riverside Theatre
2. Great Endeavour
3. Medermit
Timeform View: A good renewal of the Ryanair, providing further evidence that the race is finding its feet as a genuine championship event. The form of the Ascot Chase, where Riverside Theatre and Medermit were miles clear of the rest, looks key, and the former is a confident selection. Great Endeavour appeals most of those at longer odds.
