Il Est Francais has a strong chance to make history in the Ryanair Chase on Thursday at the Cheltenham Festival. The French-trained runner will be looking to become only the second winner from across the Channel at the festival since 2005. The race, run over two and a half miles, features top contenders from Britain, Ireland, and France, making for an exciting contest.
Il Est Francais showed his front-running ability in the King George VI Chase at Kempton in December, leading for most of the way before being caught by Banbridge near the last fence. His standout performance came a year earlier in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at the same venue, where he delivered one of the best displays by a novice in recent times. While his best runs outside of France have come on flatter tracks, the drop in trip and good ground conditions could play to his strengths, giving him a solid chance.
The festival’s third day features a packed schedule with intriguing runners in each race. The day opens with the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at 1.20, where a record field competes. One of the most promising contenders is Sixandahalf, trained by Gavin Cromwell. A strong stayer on the Flat, she impressed on her hurdling debut at Fairyhouse in January, winning by 12 lengths in a fast time. Her experience in big-field races could work to her advantage in this competitive event.
At 2.00, Answer to Kayf looks well-placed to make an impact. The runner showed an affinity for Cheltenham last year when finishing fourth in the Martin Pipe over hurdles. He made significant progress when winning his handicap debut over fences at Naas in January by 12 lengths in testing conditions. While his career wins have come on heavy ground, he has also shown ability on good-to-soft going.
The 2.40 race features D Art D Art, trained by Tom Cooper, who has been specifically prepared for this event. After finishing second in the qualifier at Carlisle in December, he has been kept fresh, and with only nine previous starts over hurdles, he still has room for improvement.
The 4.00 contest sees last year’s winner, Teahupoo, return to defend his title. The runner has followed a similar preparation route as last season, with a single start in the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse in December. Though he finished second in that race, he was only a few lengths behind Lossiemouth, who subsequently won the Mares’ Hurdle on Tuesday. The return to three miles at Cheltenham should allow him to perform at his best again.
At 4.40, the contest could be a rematch between Jagwar and Masaccio, who finished first and third in a trial race over the same track and trip in January. With a 6lb swing in the weights and the addition of first-time cheekpieces, Masaccio, trained by Alan King, may have a chance to reverse the previous result.
The final race of the day, at 5.20, is now one of only two races at the festival restricted to amateur riders. The booking of Derek O’Connor for Jonjo O’Neill’s Johnnywho appears to be a notable decision, indicating confidence in the horse’s chances.
With a mix of seasoned competitors and promising up-and-coming horses, the third day of the Cheltenham Festival is set to provide thrilling action on the track.
