Noble Prince - Ryanair

I completley agree, but thought he was cut to 4/1 after today ?

7/1 with WH and a bit over that on here Sint.

OK.

He's being campaigned identically as his Novice season, i.e stays over 2 miles whilst the going is soft, then stepped up in trip in March when the going is decent.

If Nolan was a little more, shall I say, reliable, in terms of ante-post, then 7/1 would look good.

I dont blame him for not coming over for the PP, but he defintiely put punters away re Joncol in the Henessy imo.

7/1 with BS and WH and 15/2 on here

I have had some, with MM out thats a great price imvho

He looks certain to run in the race barring injury (and he is going straight there according to Nolan) which is more than can be said for many others. The only form danger I see is Captain Chris but he may be aimed elsewhere - maybe worth a stakes saver at 12/1 all the same.

The 3 time festival winning reigning double champion who comes to life mid March is of course no danger at all.

^ being sarcastic or not ? I thought he was out injured for the season,

Uncle, what did Nolan say today then after the race ?? I might take some of the 7/1 but wonder if they'll aim for the CC

Yes a tad Sint, I hadn't heard of any injury. Big fan of the animal, hence the strop at him getting disregarded

I think he got injured in the Old Roan first time out this season.

I read on RP they hoping to get him fit for defence... that was dated 3rd Nov tho

OK fair enough. Still not an ideal preparation though imo.

Despite having some reservations about Noble Prince 100% going for the Ryanair, as they may fancy their chances in the QMCC after running BZ so close today, i've decided to take some 7/1 also

Definitely going for the Ryanair as far as I know Sint - and thta has been the plan all season despite running in all the 2m races in Ireland. Did the same last year as well.

Runner up Noble Prince is likely to be aimed at the longer Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

His trainer Paul Nolan said: "I thought for a few strides between the last two fences we might have the winner's measure, buthe was that bit too good. His target will by the Ryanair Chase, but I'm not sure he'll run again before that."

Taken from sporting life website

Paul Nolan said of the runner-up: "We were beaten by a better horse on the day but I was happy that he galloped to the line better than he did at Navan.

"The Ryanair Chase is definitely his race at Cheltenham.

"He probably won't have a run before then. The Tied Cottage Chase is the only race between now and then and it is a week later this year."

If it were nrnb I'd be remortgaging and literally having the house on him as he can't be bigger than 7/2 on the day, and on decent ground, if Captain Chris goes elsewhere he could be less than 2/1.

The thing is, as we know, he is crying out for the step up in trip. He was sent off 9/4 for the Prix Di Cadran on the flat ffs so it's all credit to him that he can mix it with the best over 2 miles. A measurement of his class. My only concern would be if we get a soft ground Cheltenham and they re-routed to the QMCC.

Well this is difficult for me to say on a Noble Prince for the Ryannair tip page...

But think he is an awful bet for Cheltenham...think the form of his Jewson (grade 2) is now looking very dubious and should be treated with caution...also think think he maybe better at shorter trips and the Ryannair isn't the place to be found wanting in the staying department as the previous winners will tell you...

I can see him however going off a lot shorter than the 7's with people buying into last years Cheltenham form...and the fact he is a spring horse and better ground will suit, he could go as short as 7-2, 3-1 mark come the day so there is a price edge...for me I would like to see him stay at the minimum trip but it doesn't seem likely....

Uncle Puncle you say the only danger you see is Captain Chris interesting point of view that... I don't see it that way...can't say I have got involved yet but will be with this horse likely to be taking up plenty of the market...

On the other plus side apart from the price edge his trainer can ready one...and he may go short in the run, that is when I will get involved...

Be lucky with your bet though Uncle Punkle...

Good to know you don't fancy him Harry - I've just doubled my stake accordingly

races like the Ryan Air often come down to who is up for it on the day. There will be a bunch of horses (I imagine) all within 10lbs of each other on form. Trying to predict it now looks decidedly tricky in December! I do like Noble Prince though

Good stuff punkle be lucky

Its the annual Albertas Run forgotten horse thread,wondering when one would turn up!!
Happens every year,and every year........

Admittedly he has had a setback,but if they get him back as intended for a spring campaign,hes a major threat,as he is the proven best horse at cheltenham over 2m5.

Harry, even if his form from last seasons Jewson has not worked out(yet), running Big Zeb to half a length over an inadequate trip is good enough. It shows the horse is in great form.

But I agree with Judo in the the Ryainair can be a dicey race to bet in, due to it's nature of filling the void for horses who dont have the speed for 2 miles and those who wont get the Gold Cup trip.

If Riverside Theatre can get over his setback I think he is the one to beat, even though Cheltenham may not be his course.

Noble Prince is worthy fav at the moment though. I really like Rubi Light but I'm hoping he goes for the Gold cup.

Kauto Stone was impressive at Down Royal then second over 2 miles to sizing Europe and I'd see that as stronger form with the promise of more to come after a rest. The thing in Noble Prince's favour is his course form but can't see why Kauto Stone won't go at Cheltenham. Also think Great Endeavour bound to go well in this.

So unfair that people continue to ignore Albertas Run,hes won it twice now and every time theres always another horse thats going to win the race,never him.
Poquelin touted last year,and i think the year before,even though hes a handicapper and now Great Endeavour is mentioned,handicapper as well.
Kauto Stone fair enough,hes just ran well against the best 2 miler around,and Noble Prince has just ran well,fair enough also.
Riverside Theatre mentioned,aint been seen this year yet,and aint a Chelt horse imo

I guess some horses are just not fashionable or whatever,but imo its totally unfair to blatantly ignore the horse,especially with his proven record in the race.
Bang out of order in fact.
Ok hes had a setback,but if hes fit it should be acknowledged that hes the one to beat,imo.

I think it's just that he's injured Budd, and doubtful to make the race. I've got enromous respect for him, but he has to be fit.

Budd, The horse is injured, whilst that remains the case, it is pointless discussing him. Not much more to say than that really.

I'd not rule out Great Endeavour either. I wonder how many people labelled Imperial Commander a ''handicapper'' before he won??!

Great Endeavour is a fair shout.  Festival form always a plus and def improved.

He werent injured last year,same thing then,and the year before.

Ok,Sint,stront,i repect you guys,and if its just cos hes injured that he aint being mentioned-fair enough.
Apologies.

Imperial Commander had one handicap as far as i recall,GE must have had a dozen i should think,big difference.

Budd, I think its abit over the top to say its "bang out of order" that Albertas hasn't been mentioned.

Nobody is knocking him, and he is well respected, its just because he isn't really on peoples radar because he hasn't ran for ages and is a doubt for the festival.

I think this years Ryanair is stronger than last years with young horses like Noble Prince, Captain Chris (maybe), Kauto Stone and a more experienced Rubi Light, rather than the more exposed ones that ran in last years like Kalahari King, Poquelin, Voy Por etc.

I think Riverside Theatre is the best 2m4f horse in the UK and Ireland.  Fair do's, I admit he didn't put in his best performance in the Arkle, but he has only ran once at the track, so no real evidence to say he doesn't act at Cheltenham; although other courses may be more favourable.  I also haven't backed him, and won't until I know of his wellbeing.

It wouldn't bother me if nodoby considered Albertas, just means you might get a better price in March

Already backed him mate,before the injury.
Will only back him again if he turns up on the day.

Yeh,i guess i was a bit OTT,but its always been the case with this one it appears to me,injured or not.

It would take a mad man to rule out Alberats if he lined up fit and well. But it's fair to say he preparation wont be perfect even if he does make it back to the track this season.

It does look quite a strong race this year, plenty of horses running it with genuine aspirations and proven form of being Grade 1 class.

AR goes well fresh, if he makes the race I would probably expect an acceptable price on the day. Owes me a deal less than nothing, hope the old boy makes it in rude health!

Jessie's Dream a possible fly in the ointment. Seems to be being trained for the second half of the season and Grade 1 winning form over 2 1/2 miles but seems stretched at the top level over 3 miles.

Johnson doesn't have another Gold Cup horse does he, but he does have a ready made Ryanair horse in Great endeavour.

I  can confirm that owner is bullish about ryanair and ploughed into it at 8/1 on **** last week.
He told me last january to get stuck on noble prince for Jewson which I did.
His information is always good and he believes noble is best at 2.5 miles off a good gallop.
Interestingly the one horse he was slightly concerned about was his sons horse Realt Dubh.

When is RD due back?^^

mid feb - dont know where but ryanair is their aim

This is on todays Irishracing.com 

Noble Prince is likely to be given a tentative entry in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown on February 12th.
Paul Nolan's smart chaser has been campaigned over shorter distances so far this season and was an excellent second to Big Zeb at Leopardstown over Christmas.

The eight-year-old has the two-mile-five-furlong Ryanair Chase as his Cheltenham Festival target, and Nolan must now decide whether to stick to shorter for his prep run, or step up to three miles for the first time in the Hennessy.

He said: "He'll be entered in the Normans Grove Chase in Fairyhouse, and he could also be entered in the Hennessy.

"The Normans Grove is over two miles and a furlong and the Hennessy is obviously three miles, so those are the options.

"If the ground at Leopardstown came up nice like it was at Christmas then the Hennessy could be a possibility.

"The only worry with that is that it could come too close to Cheltenham, so we'll see."

I just think Great Endeavor is cracking value at 14/1

Quel Esprit at the prices is interesting if this is where he runs,his camapign seems to indicate that imo

I was laughed at around the same time last year when I put up unlucky runner-up Kalahari King.

This year I will be given the same treatment I am sure...This years pick is Somersby.

Somersby has been confirmed as going for the Ryanair. The horse's liking for Cheltenham has been questioned, but I think Somersby loves Cheltenham. It's record at the festival is 3rd in the 2009 Supreme Novices Hurdle behind winner Go Native and 2nd Medermit, 2nd in a strong 2010 Arkle just being held by future Champion Chase winner Sizing Europe and 5th in 2011 Champion Chase when it was clear that 2m was then an inadequate trip. 2m 5f will be the perfect trip for Somersby and the horses chances of winning will be increased if the ground turns out to be the softer side of good.

Somersby?

Only jokin FormStudent; nothing wrong with putting something up from out of the box; otherwise it gets boring talking about favourites all the time, and Somersby has got a good festival record, but just seems to always run into 1 thats too good.

One I'd put up at a bigger price is Gauvain, who is tied into the Somersby form.  He won well first time out last year and then lost all his form, and disappointing in last years Ryaniar.

Based on that run he wouldn't have a hope this year, but he seems to have maintained his form much better this year.  He's also won three times round Cheltenham as well.

After his Peterborough Chase win, Nick Williams assistant trainer said, "He does tend to run best fresh so the Ascot Chase is a possibility as he was second in that last year and you'd imagine the Ryanair again.  It's not so much the distance with him as just keeping him happy because he can be a bit of a character, but when things go to plan he's a good horse."

I think you'd know after about 2 fences whether you've done your money, but if he can get into a good rhythm I've seen worse 39/1 shots.  He's entered into the VC Chase against Finians and Al Ferof over 2m, but don't think he'll go down the Champ Chase route (he's 41/1 on here for that)

I think Captain Cee Bee at 60's is way overpriced should he turn up on the thursday.

Couse form, will like the probable good ground, jumps great and the extra distance may be needed at this stage of his career.

Not a bad shout there Titch, if he were to turn up...he has always looked a horse who would appreciate going further and at 60's he is a fair shout..not been seen since the summer however so not sure whether he is 100% but if he were and they said this was his target he wouldn't be without a fair chance..

Somersby is a horrible horse but may trade shorter in the run...the rechid horse however given the chance will find a way to lose, he will...there is no doubting his ability but when the pressure is applied he finds nothing then just plugs on...he has the ability, but is an awful character for his followers...get out in the run is my only advice...his run in the King George however you look at it says he can place so at around the 20's mark I suppose I can see your logic...if he wins I will be the first in the queue to apologize.

The same rechid horse that came with in a head of beating the current dual Champion Chase winner over course and distance. That's the one.

As I said I was laughed at last year when tipping Kalahari King.

I love Harry's castigating of Somersby, but to be honest, I completely agree with his assessment after following him well and truly over the cliff.

The irony is, I stood up for him way longer than anyone else, but the swine even managed to put the knife in on Boxing Day. I had (for me) a decent ante-post each/way double with him and Alarazi going.

The latter was third in the Ladbroke at 33s, which meant I had a good wedge running onto Somersby in the King George and as it was ante-post, third place would have paid out. Four out and I was counting my money but of the course the rest is history. When push came to shove his head went up, he missed the last three fences out, plugged on, and very much left the impression just one decent leap at those final three would have seen him get by Captain Chris for third.

As ever, the each/way angle at big prices can't be knocked as he has stacks of ability but I am starting to believe he would find a way of getting beaten in a walkover.

yeah a detestable animal imo. On his Cheltenham form you can make a case for him making the frame at a good price. But if this horse is to win the race he'll need it to cut up as there are several horses in here who have plenty of class themselves and know how to fight.

Aerial (FR) (Tony Hayward and Barry Fulton) Paul Nicholls.................................... 6 11 10
Albertas Run (IRE) (Mr Trevor Hemmings) Jonjo O’Neill ....................................... 11 11 10
Apt Approach (IRE) (Greenstar Syndicate) W. P. Mullins, Ireland ........................ 9 11 10
Captain Chris (IRE) (Mrs Diana L. Whateley) Philip Hobbs ................................... 8 11 10
Champion Court (IRE) (Mr M. Boothright) Martin Keighley.................................. 7 11 10
Finian’s Rainbow (IRE) (Mr Michael Buckley) Nicky Henderson.......................... 9 11 10
Forpadydeplasterer (IRE) (Goat Racing Syndicate) Thomas Cooper, Ireland. 10 11 10
French Opera (Mrs Judy Wilson & Martin Landau) Nicky Henderson ................ 9 11 10
Gauvain (GER) (Jared Sullivan & Simon Brown) Nick Williams .............................. 10 11 10
Great Endeavour (IRE) (Mr D. A. Johnson) David Pipe........................................... 8 11 10
Hell’s Bay (FR) (A. G. Fear & A. J. Norman) Colin Tizzard.................................... 10 11 10
I’msingingtheblues (IRE) (Mrs Jo Tracey) David Pipe ............................................... 10 11 10
I’m So Lucky (Mrs S. J. Brookhouse) David Pipe ......................................................... 10 11 10
Jack The Giant (IRE) (Hanbury Syndicate) Nicky Henderson................................ 10 11 10
Jessies Dream (IRE) (Mr D. A. Johnson) Gordon Elliott, Ireland.......................... 9 11 10
Kalahari King (FR) (Mrs J. Morgan) Ferdy Murphy .................................................... 11 11 10
Kauto Stone (FR) (Mr R. J. H. Geffen) Paul Nicholls ................................................. 6 11 10
Little Josh (IRE) (Mr Tony Bloom) Nigel Twiston-Davies.......................................... 10 11 10
Magnanimity (IRE) (Gigginstown House Stud) D. T. Hughes, Ireland................. 8 11 10
Mahogany Blaze (FR) (Mrs Lorna Berryman) Nigel Twiston-Davies................... 10 11 10
Majestic Concorde (IRE) (Dr R. Lambe) D. K. Weld, Ireland ............................... 9 11 10
Medermit (FR) (The Dunkley & Reilly Partnership) Alan King................................ 8 11 10
Noble Prince (GER) (Mr D. P. Sharkey) Paul Nolan, Ireland .................................. 8 11 10
Poquelin (FR) (The Stewart Family) Paul Nicholls........................................................ 9 11 10
Quel Esprit (FR) (Red Barn Syndicate) W. P. Mullins, Ireland.................................. 8 11 10
Rare Bob (IRE) (D. A. Syndicate) D. T. Hughes, Ireland........................................... 10 11 10
Realt Dubh (IRE) (Mr D. J. Sharkey) Noel Meade, Ireland ..................................... 8 11 10
Rivage d’Or (FR) (Gigginstown House Stud) D. T. Hughes, Ireland..................... 7 11 10
Riverside Theatre (Jimmy Nesbitt Partnership) Nicky Henderson....................... 8 11 10
Roi du Mee (FR) (Gigginstown House Stud) Gordon Elliott, Ireland ................... 7 11 10
Rubi Light (FR) (Mr W. Hennessy) Robert Hennessy, Ireland................................. 7 11 10
Somersby (IRE) (Mrs T. P. Radford) Henrietta Knight ................................................ 8 11 10
Tartak (FR) (Power Panels Electrical Systems Ltd) Tom George ........................... 9 11 10
The Nightingale (FR) (Mr C. G. Roach) Paul Nicholls .............................................. 9 11 10
Tranquil Sea (IRE) (D. Cox/Nelius Hayes) E. J. O’Grady, Ireland......................... 10 11 10
Wishfull Thinking (Mrs Diana L. Whateley) Philip Hobbs ........................................ 9 11 10
Woolcombe Folly (IRE) (The Hon Mrs Townshend) Paul Nicholls....................... 9 11 10
Blazing Tempo (IRE) (Mrs S. Ricci) W. P. Mullins, Ireland ........................................ 8 11 3

Noble Prince & Captain Chris not given an entry for the CC. A little surprised by that tbh.

I'm a touch surprised to see Ghizao in the QMCC but not the Ryanair.

Yeah agree. If it gets Soft 2m would be fine for him. Oh well, trainers eh ?

Oops got that the wrong way around. I am not surprised he has been taken out the Ryanair tbh.

Oops got that the wrong way around. I am not surprised he has been taken out the Ryanair tbh.

Nice that Nolan has stuck to the plan. No QMCC entry suggests he means business imo.

Have to be a bit disappointed with that run from NP today.

Over a trip too short but for a Ryanair fav who's been running BZ to a length I fully expected him to win well.

Might not have been fully wound up but will need to improve to win, what's becoming an interesting Ryanair.

While I've not seen today's race yet, NP has never been a two miler to my eye and I expected him to get beat today. Call me cynical, but running him over inadequate trips in preparation for the Ryanair keeps his price juicy for the big day.

I agree mate, don't think hes a 2 miler either, but running against much inferior opposition today.

He was getting pushed along from quite a way out but stayed on strongly.

Still got an outstanding chance in the Ryanair, but was expecting a bit more tbh.

Will be a much better horse when he gets his preferred good ground, good prep I thought.

Grade 1 winner Tranquil Sea led the five runners into the straight but folded quickly from the second last fence leaving Blazing Tempo and Noble Prince to fight out the finish from the final fence.

Blazing Tempo, winner of this season’s Galway Plate, was produced to lead early on the run-in, and receiving her 7lbs mares allowance, went on to score a three parts of a length win over Noble Prince.

Afterwards a delighted Mullins said “she is holding her form and that was nice to win, given the ground. We had the choice of coming here or going to the **** Hurdle but rather than take on a handicap with 20 runners, we decided to take out chance today eventhough the ground might not be as suitable.

I was very pleased with that but not sure where we’ll go as she’s done more than enough – she’s an iron mare and has been on the go since Galway and been doing it in all sorts of ground. She’ll get an entry for the Ryanair Chase but I’m not sure if she’s good enough.”

*Spoilsports

Didn't fancy him today at odds-on, actually backed Tanquil Sea as the value

Won't go off as short as I though he might for the Ryanair now but still has every chance.

Wouldn't be to disheartened myself I actually thought he ran right up to his best...tranquil Sea on his favoured ground was 6 lengths back to up held the form, I'd say he just ran into an improving mare...

Better ground will suit more but how much of a stamina test he wants I do not know as the Ryannair when you look at all the previous winners has been won by staying types and he certainly doesn't lack gears even though he won the Jewson last year over 2 1/2m...

But if you fancy him I'm sure his shrewd trainer will have him spot on the day and I certainly wouldn't be disappointed after that today, its just whether the horse is good enough on the day.

Thought it was a great Chelt prep too - was very happy with the run

Lets hope he sticks to Ryanair route.

Wasn't impressed with his jumping today,it was pretty sticky imo

I've not seen todays run yet so cant comment on that, but last season he placed 2nd at the end on January (irish Arkle) prior to hacking up in March when he was stepped up in trip for the first time, so in that respect im not concerned. Trainer pattern clearly indicates he is being primed for March.

The difference this year is he will be going into a tougher race where the opposition will be stronger, so he will need to find some improvement, but I dont see why he cant.

The form of Kauto Stone's Down Royal victory in November got a real boost when Blazing Tempo won yesterday. Nicholls' horse thrashed it without coming off the bridle and looks a proper Grade 1 horse, the only negative being his lack of Cheltenham form but 12-1 looks well over priced at this stage.

Paul Nolan is hoping for improvement from Noble Prince in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham after he suffered a surprise defeat at Fairyhouse.

The eight-year-old remains a leading fancy for the Festival despite the loss at the hands of Blazing Tempo in the Normans Grove Chase.

However, Nolan was disappointed with Sunday's performance and will now concentrate on preparing last season's Jewson Novices' Chase winner for another tilt at the Festival in March.

"He's 100%. We were disappointed, but hopefully ground-wise he'll improve for Cheltenham and he has to improve on that run," said the County Wexford handler.

"We'll get him ready for Cheltenham now.

"The same views about the ground at Fairyhouse were given about the mare that beat us. We've just got to hope he improves for Cheltenham.

"He likes a break between his races, but we're not making excuses for Sunday's defeat."

Has Nicholls mentioned anything about giving Kauto Stone a prep run anywhere? Was impressed with his run behind Sizing Europe.

Also think Great Endeavour would run well in this, but Pipe seemed very non commital towards the race in his column in the Post, with a handicap seemingly just as likely

No chance in the Ryainair imo,beaten by an average horse who also hated the ground

Not if you look through her form she didn't.

Not heard anything Arsene.

Grand old Albertas does it again I believe. Keep it quiet mind.

Albertas has been a standing dish at the festival in recent years my only concern is that at 11 he may find one or two with younger legs who might just find him out.Noble prince is one of the horses i'd most like to take on at the current prices at the entire meeting.I don't think the form of his Jewson win has stacked up at all this season and the form of both Rubi Light and Somersby this year entitles both to be shorter in the betting

Rubi Light was really only a novice last year and ran a blinder in the Ryanair. If ground not too firm has a great chance this year.

RL has a great shout IMO but struggle to justify backing it at shorter odds than either Noble Prince or Somersby.

Rubi Lights form has been most progressive.Apart from winning a grade one race by five lengths,and tipping up when having a grade two race at his mercy hes also finished an honourable second in a grade one over a trip that looks beyond his optimum.Although he excels on soft ground he has put up two performances on good ground(last time out and in last seasons Ryanair) that in terms of ratings are on a par with anything he has achieved when encountering soft ground so the theory that he needs bottomless ground may be misplaced.

I took 14s for Great Endeavour a few weeks ago as I can't see what other race he can go in. He loves the track and is approaching his peak. I have him marked down as a 170+ horse and I reckon he will go off much shorter than his current odds. He will have to cut out the blunders though - he got away with it in the Paddy Power but not in the Spinal Research.

I will have scope to bet other runners having got 14s

Slaughtered by Synchronised (nowt but a decent handicapper) LTO at equal weights. Admittedly over a longer trip but you need to stay 3m to win the Ryanair IMO.

I don't think its fair to say Synchronised is nowt but a handicapper as he has only ran in graded company once and won that race by more than 8 lengths,People came to the conclusion he was merely a handicapper due to the fact he ran so well in major staying handicaps.Also the third placed horse at Leopardstown was a dual Grade one winner last year so the form warrants respect in my book.

The form of the Jewson aint great but I backed him on his form this season, which is running Biz Zeb close twice and also slamming Osirixamix, who himself would have slammed Golden Silver, albeit a waining Golden Silver.

15/2 was available with 4 bookies this morning .. and it has now all gone .. so someone has clearly backed him since his run at the weekend.

Magic I would have to agree with you re Synchronised. I reckon he may make a few sit up before the season ends and I dont mean in handicaps either.

KALAHARI KING will head straight to the Cheltenham Festival in March as he seeks an elusive first victory at the showpiece meeting.

Ferdy Murphy's 11-year-old has finished fourth in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, second in the Arkle, third in the Champion Chase and most recently second in the Ryanair Chase.

The latter race is once again his target having recovered from a fractured splint bone suffered at Ascot in November.

"Graham (Lee) rode him work yesterday and was very happy with him, but he won't run between now and Cheltenham," said Murphy.

"He's in good form again now and we're pleased with how he's going.

"He'll probably go to Doncaster on Grimthorpe Chase day (March 3) for a racecourse school, which we've done with our horses before, and then straight back to the Ryanair."

One Murphy inmate who will not run this season is Big Fella Thanks, last seen finishing seventh in last year's Grand National.

The trainer had hoped to see his charge return to Aintree this spring, but he has instead been given the year off.

"He's out in the field at the moment and he won't run this season," the trainer added.

"We found out he had a fibrillating heart after the National last year, so we got that sorted, but I think it has just taken him a bit of time to get over that.

"There wasn't a whole lot wrong with him, but the vet just wasn't entirely happy with him and luckily the owners are patient and said we'd give him time. Hopefully we can go to Aintree next year all guns blazing."

POQUELIN second and fourth in the last two runnings of the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, will bid to make it third-time lucky in this year's race, trainer Paul Nicholls confirmed on Tuesday.

Andy Stewart's nine-year-old had to concede weight all round when second to The Giant Bolster in a Grade 3 handicap on Saturday, a run that delighted Britain's champion trainer.

"He ran a great race. He'd been ill since his run at Cheltenham over Christmas and we needed to get a run into him and it will be straight to the Ryanair Chase now," said Nicholls.

"He falls a bit short of top class but he's run well in the Ryanair in the past and I feel we're better running him in that than a handicap."

Poquelin is a best-priced 20-1 with Paddy Power for the Ryanair.
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Trainer Robbie Hennessy will follow a tried-and-tested route by running Rubi Light at Gowran before heading to the Cheltenham Festival.

The seven-year-old won the Red Mills Chase in 2011 on the way to finishing third to Albertas Run in the Ryanair Chase.

The two-and-a-half-mile contest on February 18 is again ideal for Hennessy's charge as it comes just less than four weeks before his prime objective.

"We are going to give him a run in Gowran Park on the 18th of February in the Red Mills and that's something to look forward with him first," said County Meath-based Hennessy.

"He won it last year and the weather forecast is bad for the foreseeable future, so I imagine the ground will be testing which would play to his strengths.

"After that we'll just keep him ticking over for Cheltenham. He doesn't need long coming out of his races."

Rubi Light is a strong fancy to go two places better in the Ryanair on March 15 after a profitable campaign that has seen him win the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown and finish second in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on his first try over three miles.

Jockey Dominic Elsworth feels Somersby would be well served stepping back up in trip at the Cheltenham Festival by running in the Ryanair Chase.

Henrietta Knight's likeable eight-year-old secured the big-race victory his consistent efforts deserved when claiming the Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot on Saturday.

Somersby also has the two-mile Queen Mother Champion Chase as a possible Festival objective, but his regular jockey believes he will be best served in the Ryanair over two miles and five furlongs.

"I just feel over two miles he can miss a jump out here and there," said Elsworth, who was securing his first Grade One winner at the weekend.

"It (the Ryanair) would be definitely more up his street.

"He does stay, and he's got the pace to lay it up to them over two and a half miles.

"He can miss a fence now and again and obviously Ascot being a bigger, longer, galloping track definitely played to his strengths He's as good as anything else in the Ryanair," Elsworth told At The Races.

Any word from the trainer ?

Pulled-up. Ran an absolute shocker. Seriously weak in the betting all day aswell.

Ran too bad to be true - maybe the rumours about him being poorly on de run upto the race were true after all

Yep they must be. Was never going after the first fence. Shame.

He was layed like victory was out of the question.Trainers brother was interviewed on the M.L said the horse was in good nick.Somebody new something.

Made a mistake at the 2nd and then kept jumping awkwardly out to the right after that - maybe injured himself at the 2nd. Didn't think the drift was big enough to suggest that soemthing was wrong before hand.

I dont think the mistake was that bad, it was ridden with much more restraint than his run at cheltenham last year.

I knew my fate after 3 furlongs.

Yep it was minor. Bad vibes all round methinks.

Mar 15, 2012 -- 8:37PM, baroudeur wrote:

He was layed like victory was out of the question.Trainers brother was interviewed on the M.L said the horse was in good nick.Somebody new something.

Rumours 30 mins before the off that this one was a dog, shame as I'd already backed it heavily.

was always place lay material