2026 Ryanair Chase

[Benjy23]

There's always the novice handicap over the same distance... No top rating for that.

 

[Lobos]

99.9% unlikely to run in the Ryanair he said, but why enter him then?

If all the others at the top of the market go to the Gold Cup, F2F gets a knock, and Heart Wood goes Fav - then he may run in it?

 

[Guinness Village]

Are we getting grade 1 entries for DRF tomorrow? Just need to see the kopek in the mix

 

[BigL]

Think the ground will decide who runs in the ryanair. If heavy then Gaelic and jukebox turn up here I believe

 

[Carnage at Taunton]

Think the ground will decide who runs in the ryanair. If heavy then Gaelic and jukebox turn up here I believe

Yep ground often plays a part in determining races for those with more than one option.
All those four in the KG eg, could all be decided that way imo

 

[Craigy14]

I must be one of the very few that doesn’t think there is any issue whatsoever with The Jukebox Man getting the gold cup trip or seeing no issue going that way over this race.

I think just because he won a king George far too many people are using that to knock his gold cup bid. Trends etc are there to be broken, king George winner will eventually win a gold cup.

Go back to his novice hurdle days, he literally ran an absolute belter in the Bartlett on heavy over 2f shy of a gold cup trip. Granted I know fences exerts more energy than hurdling but still. He was only just outstayed that day, 7 lengths ahead of the third (Dancing City RIP), with last years BANC back in fifth.

He had his issue which curtailed his full novice chase campaign but he’s come back with a bang in open company. Wins easily on return, then stays on brilliantly in the king George after being headed over the last with a slightly poorer jump.

I see absolutely no reason he comes to the Ryanair unless he’s injured. Ground, lineup sorry just don’t see it. Very bold for someone that hasn’t even backed him (didn’t fancy him for the king George for the price cut post race), but hoping something from Ireland puts in a good performance at the DRF which should make jukeboxes price appeal at some stage.

 

[Quevega]

I must be one of the very few that doesn’t think there is any issue whatsoever with The Jukebox Man getting the gold cup trip or seeing no issue going that way over this race.

I think just because he won a king George far too many people are using that to knock his gold cup bid. Trends etc are there to be broken, king George winner will eventually win a gold cup.

Go back to his novice hurdle days, he literally ran an absolute belter in the Bartlett on heavy over 2f shy of a gold cup trip. Granted I know fences exerts more energy than hurdling but still. He was only just outstayed that day, 7 lengths ahead of the third (Dancing City RIP), with last years BANC back in fifth.

He had his issue which curtailed his full novice chase campaign but he’s come back with a bang in open company. Wins easily on return, then stays on brilliantly in the king George after being headed over the last with a slightly poorer jump.

I see absolutely no reason he comes to the Ryanair unless he’s injured. Ground, lineup sorry just don’t see it. Very bold for someone that hasn’t even backed him (didn’t fancy him for the king George for the price cut post race), but hoping something from Ireland puts in a good performance at the DRF which should make jukeboxes price appeal at some stage.

I kind of agree.
Except that him winning the King George, that King George, in that manner. IMO did not enhance his credentials for a Gold cup.
It obviously does him no harm.
But like you've mentioned, it means his price is probably not right now, along with the others he was holding hands with at the finish.
Was it really a race that showed four horses to be worthy of being single figures for a Gold cup ?
170 ratings being handed out like confetti.

Although it is hard to argue the case against it

This years Gold cup, along with many other races this year to be fair (refreshing change) is very open looking at this stage.

 

[opatcho]

Yeah agreed with approve, the manner those four finished was more of a sharp 2 mile 5f and you’d have to be a special horse to be able to finish that well over those conditions to then win a gold cup

Jukebox, or even Jango would have to be one hell of a horse to be able to do both - not many have done. The only one out of the four I can see running well in the gold cup is Gaelic Warrior as he has already displayed good ability over different distances - but is he a jack of all trades, master of none?

Im finding the gold cup difficult this year, I went through 8-9 seasons backing King George horses for the gold cup, I’m a sucker for those types, only to have losing slips after the Friday

I really like Jukebox as a horse, but he’s not got me at this stage.

I always down play the Savilles, but it’s been a good starting point in recent seasons - so will be starting there

 

[Carnage at Taunton]

Yeah, I think GW is the one most likely to win a Gold Cup than the other three KG ones.
IMO, when these four have finished racing, if I had to have a bet on which race they would have had more runs in combined, I’d bet on the Ryanair.
Having said that I really hope they all line up in the Gold Cup and they all help
Provide a classic.

 

[Craigy14]

I kind of agree.
Except that him winning the King George, that King George, in that manner. IMO did not enhance his credentials for a Gold cup.
It obviously does him no harm.
But like you've mentioned, it means his price is probably not right now, along with the others he was holding hands with at the finish.
Was it really a race that showed four horses to be worthy of being single figures for a Gold cup ?
170 ratings being handed out like confetti.

Although it is hard to argue the case against it

This years Gold cup, along with many other races this year to be fair (refreshing change) is very open looking at this stage.

Aye I can understand the view of the finish at Kempton but being 2 years older from his Albert Bartlett run, fully developed physically as a chaser, surely as a backer you wouldn’t be concerned just because of the king George run?

He has course form, over hurdles, that Bartlett run looking back was excellent, he did all the donkey work out in front on his own and was only collared at the line.

I’m not saying he’s going to win it, it’s more the point people seem to be knocking the horse for going for the gold cup and not the Ryanair. The only reason they’re going for the gold cup is the prestige, I don’t see that at all. I think the horse has more or less proved over his career to date that he could be capable of running in and having a chance to win a gold cup.

Have to agree enjoying how open the race is looking and ideally don’t want Galopin or ino to win in Dublin as then we’ll likely have a 7/2 or shorter fav. The 6/1 the field is how it should be.

 

[Benjy23]

I'd be taking Jango out of the King George bunch for the Gold Cup I think. Hope they all go for it though, and none come here!

Wouldn't mind Jukebox Man winning. Nice to see some different trainers and owners (even if Harry Redknapp) winning the big one. But I can see the Gold Cup stretching him. Particularly the way he runs/jumps. Got to go for it though, and drop back to the Ryanair next year if it doesn't go to plan.

 

[Wayward Lad]

I'd be taking Jango out of the King George bunch for the Gold Cup I think. Hope they all go for it though, and none come here!

Wouldn't mind Jukebox Man winning. Nice to see some different trainers and owners (even if Harry Redknapp) winning the big one. But I can see the Gold Cup stretching him. Particularly the way he runs/jumps. Got to go for it though, and drop back to the Ryanair next year if it doesn't go to plan.

A fair few people have said the same thing about Jango Baie being the one they would take out of the KG for the GC and then say their concern about TJM is the distance of the GC

What am i missing about Jangoes chance being any different than TJM’s?……is it just their style of running, one up in the van and the other out the back?

Jango hasn’t ever run over more than 3m, showed speed to win an Arkle, so why is there so much confidence that he will stay the 3m 2f GC and TJM won’t and therefore would be better suited to the Ryanair?

Gaelic hadn’t showed that he had potential to stay the GC trip until the Mildmay last year, showing speed to win an Arkle and speed again this year to win the Durkan, so before the Mildmay he would be thought of an ideal Ryanair horse……and still probably is!

 

[Carnage at Taunton]

There’s certainly guesswork involved as none of them aside from Banbridge have gone further than 3m in a chase.
Same could be said for loads over the years, and some cope with the extra distance at the track and some don’t.
Banbridge imo proved he can’t cope and I expect him in the Ryanair.
The other three, if connections want to have a go, I see no reason not to.
Only way they will find out is running in the race.
My gut says TJM and JB will struggle getting home and GW will be fine.
It’s exciting though the thought of those three lining up with the unknown involved.
Would be a real let down for me if any of them three went Ryanair.
Although understandable if it went really soft.

 

[Benjy23]

A fair few people have said the same thing about Jango Baie being the one they would take out of the KG for the GC and then say their concern about TJM is the distance of the GC

What am i missing about Jangoes chance being any different than TJM’s?……is it just their style of running, one up in the van and the other out the back?

Jango hasn’t ever run over more than 3m, showed speed to win an Arkle, so why is there so much confidence that he will stay the 3m 2f GC and TJM won’t and therefore would be better suited to the Ryanair?

Gaelic hadn’t showed that he had potential to stay the GC trip until the Mildmay last year, showing speed to win an Arkle and speed again this year to win the Durkan, so before the Mildmay he would be thought of an ideal Ryanair horse……and still probably is!

Yea, it's purely a visual thing and a complete guess. He's just a bit 'exuberant' I'm going to say. Great to watch but just fear it could leave him a little vulnerable in the Gold Cup.

Appreciate he looked like he stayed 3m as well as any in the King George but 3 mile at Kempton in a bunch / sprint finish is very different to a GC isn't it. I wouldn't be using that as evidence that any of them either could or couldn't stay the GC trip.

It's a visual thing with Jango as well. He just looks and shapes like a horse that would get any trip to my untrained eye. Think he stayed to win the Arkle more than showed speed to be honest. Got outpaced and won anyway really didn't he.

It's just a hunch and will be one of my lowest staking races of the week to be honest. Won't stop me sharing some guesses though

 

[Craigy14]

Yea, it's purely a visual thing and a complete guess. He's just a bit 'exuberant' I'm going to say. Great to watch but just fear it could leave him a little vulnerable in the Gold Cup.

Appreciate he looked like he stayed 3m as well as any in the King George but 3 mile at Kempton in a bunch / sprint finish is very different to a GC isn't it. I wouldn't be using that as evidence that any of them either could or couldn't stay the GC trip.

It's a visual thing with Jango as well. He just looks and shapes like a horse that would get any trip to my untrained eye. Think he stayed to win the Arkle more than showed speed to be honest. Got outpaced and won anyway really didn't he.

It's just a hunch and will be one of my lowest staking races of the week to be honest. Won't stop me sharing some guesses though

Does his Bartlett run as a novice hurdler over course and 2f shy of distance not give a better indication to any of the other 3 he could stay the trip? Physically older, stronger etc, appreciate some of that is presumptions but most horses develop in size and scope as they get older.

Feel like I’ve done my life savings sticking up for Jukebox here I’m not saying the others shouldn’t go for it either btw I think all 3 should and Banbridge drops as he clearly doesn’t show he stays it. Most horses haven’t ran the distance so like you say we don’t know until the race has been run.

 

[Quevega]

This debate is why many think and thought at the time that the form of the king George because of the way it was run does not offer us much.
It’s far from obvious who is the most likely gold cup winner
It’s rarely very clear but on this occasion its muddy as
So going on other factors more than this race is probably wiser.

 

[Benjy23]

Does his Bartlett run as a novice hurdler over course and 2f shy of distance not give a better indication to any of the other 3 he could stay the trip? Physically older, stronger etc, appreciate some of that is presumptions but most horses develop in size and scope as they get older.

Feel like I’ve done my life savings sticking up for Jukebox here I’m not saying the others shouldn’t go for it either btw I think all 3 should and Banbridge drops as he clearly doesn’t show he stays it. Most horses haven’t ran the distance so like you say we don’t know until the race has been run.

Or did it show his vulnerability? Think that Bartlett run could be seen either way personally. As good as it was. Doesn't seem to have changed in run style much since then to me, even if physically stronger etc. If anything the way he jumps his fences would concern me even more at the business end of a Gold Cup.

I much prefer watching his type, which is why the GC isn't among my favourite races to watch despite its standing.

 

[Carnage at Taunton]

This debate is why many think and thought at the time that the form of the king George because of the way it was run does not offer us much.
It’s far from obvious who is the most likely gold cup winner
It’s rarely very clear but on this occasion its muddy as
So going on other factors more than this race is probably wiser.

It offers up unknown, which personally I love, especially when it comes to the Gold Cup and will he stay or not .
Trying to find the winner? Well that’s another thing.
Normally I be would go with a horse or horses that I’m confident will stay the extra, but it does depend on price whether I take a chance on a horse that is unproven.
Eg, Jango when 20’s worth the risk
Now he’s just a little bigger than last years 1st and 2nd , rather back one of them.
Similar with TJM, although must confess I’m unsure of his prices earlier as not one I fancied much before KG, and now he’s too short compared to the proven ones.
GW I have backed and may do so again as I’m more confident he will stay well enough than I am with the other two.

 

[opatcho]

Fact to File…. he’s been a very consistent horse up until his race at Punch over 2m and the King George

I forgave his performance over 2m, but…. he ran so below that day that I don’t think the trip was the first that beat him that day.

Then he managed to get last GW on the JD, but was headed, followed by a fairly disappointment run in the KG. Has he just done a “Envoi Allen” and will come back in March and bomb in, or….. has last season left a bit of a mark on him

will be interesting to see what actually lines up, and what price F2F is on the day… he could just one to take on if he’s too short

???

 

[Lobos]

Fact to File…. he’s been a very consistent horse up until his race at Punch over 2m and the King George

I forgave his performance over 2m, but…. he ran so below that day that I don’t think the trip was the first that beat him that day.

Then he managed to get last GW on the JD, but was headed, followed by a fairly disappointment run in the KG. Has he just done a “Envoi Allen” and will come back in March and bomb in, or….. has last season left a bit of a mark on him

will be interesting to see what actually lines up, and what price F2F is on the day… he could just one to take on if he’s too short

???

Agree. IMO he's got a bit to prove and has under performed the last 3. If GW was confirmed for the race like F2F then they'd be very close together in the betting. I happen to think GW will end up over the mid trip as I believe he can treat us to an Allaho like performance and blitz them from the start. For me, the Gold Cup trip would just be too much for him and blunt his best assets and having PT on him must be a big advantage. 10/1 is a huge price IMO.