Saturday, 12 March 2011

Voy Por added to Ryanair Chase field

Voy Por Ustedes is a fascinating supplementary entry for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham on Thursday.

The Sir Robert Ogden-owned 10-year-old is a dual Festival winner, having enjoyed previous success in the Arkle Trophy and the Champion Chase, and was second to Imperial Commander in this race two years ago.

Voy Por Ustedes was fifth in last year's renewal and has since moved to Nicky Henderson from Alan King, but he has not yet seen a racecourse this season. He is now as short as 10/1 with Ladbrokes and totesport for the Ryanair, although he can currently be backed at a standout best-price of 16/1 with Stan James.

Ante-post favourite Poquelin is also among the 16 confirmations. Paul Nicholls' eight-year-old has won four times at Prestbury Park and was runner-up to Albertas Run in the Grade One contest 12 months ago.

The latter could reoppose, but has been disappointing this season and also has the Cheltenham Gold Cup as a Festival alternative.

Regular partner Tony McCoy said: "If he's 10/1 for the Ryanair, he's definitely good value. But he's still in the Gold Cup and if he runs in that, I probably won't be riding him.

"The Ryanair looks a very open race and there are reasons to believe that if he did run there, he could take a bit of beating."

Following the unveiling of the Grade 1 contest's six-day confirmations, Poquelin hardened as favourite for an event that most observers have suggested appears to be slightly substandard.

A major handicap winner over the course and distance in December, last season's Ryanair runner-up was cut to best-price 5/2 favourite from 3/1 by William Hill.

However, Albertas Run was also popular with punters after the positive comments from Tony McCoy, encouraging the 2010 winner's supporters to pile in and triggering a reduction in his odds to best-price 7/1 (Victor Chandler).

A six-strong Irish entry includes Captain Cee Bee, Golden Silver and J'y Vole. However, Tranquil Sea has been ruled out following an unsatisfactory scope. The nine-year-old, who is unbeaten this season, was a genuine contender for the two-mile five-furlong race. Trainer Edward O'Grady admitted the news was a major blow.

"It's hugely disappointing but we're just not happy with the scope," he said. "He hadn't just been working well, he'd been working brilliantly - his recent work has been better than anything he's ever done."

Ferdy Murphy's Kalahari King is another big challenger and while Somersby remains in the mix, his trainer Henrietta Knight insists the Champion Chase is now his definite target.

Other possible runners include Tartak and Breedsbreeze.

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