Real Steel Has Strong Chance

Ben Morgan delves into the minefield of the Ryanair Chase

- Ben Morgan

Marsh Novices Chase

I fear this race might just cut up due to the presence of ENVOI ALLEN. I hope that doesn’t detract from his brilliance as some of his performances this year deserve a better response than they have received.

It isn’t the horse’s fault that nobody wants to take him on but I can understand why some have decided to wait until later in the season before they cross swords. On form he is the best horse, his jumping has been foot perfect and when you ask him to pick up he obliges with the minimum of fuss. It looks to be a case that he is simply the best horse in this race and although the real acid test will come next year, I think he should be more than good enough to defend his unbeaten record here.

Shan Blue seemed to have his limitations exposed last time out and I would struggle to make a case for him to beat the favourite. The Nicky Henderson pair of Chantry House and Allart could rate his main rivals but both will need to put a bad run behind them last time out.

Chantry House didn’t seem to appreciate the tiring ground here in December and should prove much better on a sounder surface so I would expect a better performance at the Festival.

Allart burst onto the chasing scene with a dominant chase debut at Ascot which was impressive. He then came to grief at Haydock before the race developed. I would like to see another run before backing him each-way here as it is risky backing a horse on his first run back after a fall.

Their stablemate Fusil Raffles would have a squeak on good ground but he has plenty of questions to answer whilst Franco De Port might benefit from the step up in trip.

1) Envoi Allen

2) Chantry House

3) Allart