2024 Ryanair Chase

[Runragged]

I will throw Blue Lord in as another big priced potential for the Ryanair. Unlikely to go CC as under the same trainer/owner as El Fabiolo so I see a campaign geared entirely towards the Ryanair, starting out with the Clonmel Oil he won last year. Didn't seem right when turned over in the Dublin Chase and then well beat in the Ryanair, those runs can be excused. Bit more like it when not disgraced behind Energumene and Chacun Pour Soi over 2m in the Champion Chase at Punchestown, beaten just 4 lengths, keeping on well but not having the speed of his two rivals. With another good campaign and the race likely to cut up then it would be no surprise to see him starting somewhere close to the 11/2 he did last year despite the poor prep.

Don't see him being a 'fashionable' horse so in no great shakes to back him yet even prior to the stable tour considering the yard has Allaho. I'm happy to wait until plans are more definite and an entry or stable tour confirmation that Clonmel Oil is the target. The 40/1 available for him is certainly on my radar.

[Captain Chris]

I will throw Blue Lord in as another big priced potential for the Ryanair.

Likely runner but I don't think he stays. I made a note after his Arkle that he weakened up the hill that day so it was no surprise to see him struggle in the Ryanair. I find the middle distance races so hard to back antepost as horses fall into them at the last minute

[Runragged]

Likely runner but I don't think he stays. I made a note after his Arkle that he weakened up the hill that day so it was no surprise to see him struggle in the Ryanair. I find the middle distance races so hard to back antepost as horses fall into them at the last minute

Yes, he does still have his stamina to confirm. The Ryanair is no guide though as he clearly wasn't right the way he dropped out so quickly and Townsend said after the race he was never travelling, so to me it is still inconclusive. He will be campaigned with the Ryanair in mind this year and so look to improve his stamina. It's a weak division at the moment and he is a multiple grade 1 winner who is unlikely to take on his stablemate over 2m. He is worth another chance.

[The Giant Bolster]

Maybe we're all guilty of placing too much stock in what comes from Hendo's mouth.
Remember this time last year he had four potential Supreme winners he was about to 'let loose'....

Absolutely this. He thinks out loud - ultimately I don't listen to his quotes too much. What he is though is a trainer who does not like to mess with a winning formula. I could be wrong but I don't see Jonbon stepping up unless he is beaten over 2m.

[archie]

You have to factor in the owner. When it's JP, the trainer/owner dynamic is completely different. Nicky will pay due attention to what Frank Berry says so Jonbon will probably end up in the Grand Annual off 140.

[Ray]

I think at this moment in time, bronn is a better shout for the ryanair then blue lord is, bronn jumped and travelled really well in the BANC almost looking like a winner, come back to 2.4 and he could run a big race jumping like that!

[Spectre]

I think at this moment in time, bronn is a better shout for the ryanair then blue lord is, bronn jumped and travelled really well in the BANC almost looking like a winner, come back to 2.4 and he could run a big race jumping like that!

100% agree. Bronn is overlooked, and a very good bet for the Ryanair. Anyone who makes a book has to have him onside. As does anyone who plays antepost each way. If it's one dart for a win, perhaps you'd be backing elsewhere though depending on your thoughts on him. i also think Saint Roi will come here, and he's JP's horse for this and not Jonbon. I think he's the type that will benefit for a step up in trip. In the top end 2 mile chases he just falls short, and on breeding you'd think a step up in trip is coming sooner rather than later.

[Eggs]

I think at this moment in time, bronn is a better shout for the ryanair then blue lord is, bronn jumped and travelled really well in the BANC almost looking like a winner, come back to 2.4 and he could run a big race jumping like that!

….Bronn reminds me a little of Real Steel. Cruising 2 out in the GC and looking all over the winner before running out of steam for Paul Nicholls. FJs were all over him for mid-distance races the next season but he largely drifted into oblivion before turning up at 33-1 to win that big Irish handicap last season.

[Fouroverthrutwo]

….Bronn reminds me a little of Real Steel. Cruising 2 out in the GC and looking all over the winner before running out of steam for Paul Nicholls. FJs were all over him for mid-distance races the next season but he largely drifted into oblivion before turning up at 33-1 to win that big Irish handicap last season.

Declared for The Munster National on Sunday.

[Hardy Eustace]

The way jonbon ran from 2 out to the line in the arkle in isolation makes it look crazy to think he’ll run in the champion. He hangs then gets completely outpaced by el fab.


It’s fair to say he was not at his best there, he didn’t jump with his usually fluency so connections were quite right to keep him at 2 miles after which obviously paid off and they’re also right to do so this season especially as there’s nothing this side of the sea and el fab to me has a bit of Moscow flyer about him all class but not the most natural of jumpers. Anything can happen in 2 mile chases.

in Howard’s book king talks about stepping edwardstone up in trip this season so if/when jonbon beats him (you have to think they are likely to meet at some point) he’ll be a value pick in an open looking Ryanair.

This year it will pay to keep an open mind in this race, as the betting suggests, 365 pushed the reigning champ out to 20s today.

Edwardstone is also 20s and worth monitoring.

[opatcho]

Looked at Edwardstone, its just so difficult to get horses back and that run in Jan looked to have left a mark on him. If he was a year younger, and ended up placing in the QM, then he would certainly fit my profile for a Ryanair horse

However.... I'd want to see him come back and show positive signs. Shishkin came close to doing something similar.... but I'd have Shiskhin a few lbs better than Edwardstone

One to watch out for...

As for Jonbon, its a shame he wont come across anything decent until March, thats unless Mullin's sends one over - less likely given the news around energumene

[FinalFurlong91]

Have had a few quid on allaho at 7s

Probably not necessary as he always needs his first run

But he's my favourite horse in training so heart overruling head

Can allow ourselves that indulgence every now and then

[ComplyOrDie]

As per our RoadToCheltenham on Twitter:

Nicky Henderson on JONBON, per @UnibetRacing: “I’m still toying with the idea of the Shloer. AP was here on Saturday and he looked sharp and well, Jonbon. “I originally thought that comes close enough to the Tingle Creek, but if you go back to last season he had three quite quick races – and one very quick return, from Aintree to the Celebration Chase. That was probably his best performance. I really wanted to establish if he was a two miler, which is what he told us at Sandown. “We’ll start at two, but I wouldn’t rule out going two-and-a-half at all.”

Nicky yet again hinting that 2 1/2 should not be ruled out, that said, at no point did he mention at what stage during the season this may be, so probably the Melling Chase at Aintree.

[luisgarciaisgod]

I think Nicky will give Jonbon every chance to line up in the Champion Chase and won't be dictated by El Fabiolo. He'll only be stepped up if he's stuffed beforehand.

[FinalFurlong91]

As per our RoadToCheltenham on Twitter:

Nicky Henderson on JONBON, per @UnibetRacing: “I’m still toying with the idea of the Shloer. AP was here on Saturday and he looked sharp and well, Jonbon. “I originally thought that comes close enough to the Tingle Creek, but if you go back to last season he had three quite quick races – and one very quick return, from Aintree to the Celebration Chase. That was probably his best performance. I really wanted to establish if he was a two miler, which is what he told us at Sandown. “We’ll start at two, but I wouldn’t rule out going two-and-a-half at all.”

Nicky yet again hinting that 2 1/2 should not be ruled out, that said, at no point did he mention at what stage during the season this may be, so probably the Melling Chase at Aintree.

Champion chase then Melling then if that goes well they might try 3 miles before the king george the season after