We have arrived at the final week before the 2026 Cheltenham Festival. After a season full of tantalising build-up, just seven days remain before the big meeting gets underway.
Matty Sutcliffe has therefore arrived at the end of his ante-post journey. Aiming for one last hurrah at a big price, he offers one last selection in the Ryanair Chase.
Ryanair Chase – JPR One 25/1 1pt EW 3 places
I’m slightly regretting not getting this selection on side a couple weeks earlier after his excellent Musselburgh success, but I can’t stray away from the fact that JPR One looks knocking each way bet.
A large majority of this selection is that he’s one of a select few who look guaranteed to end up in the Ryanair. Fact To File and Gaelic Warrior will likely be separated and the exchanges suggest the former will be in here.
Jonbon’s Cheltenham participation isn’t guaranteed and while the Ryanair would be the likely option, the late knock to Marine Nationale opens the door up once more for the Champion Chase. Jango Baie is Gold Cup bound, Romeo Coolio doesn’t look likely to turn up, Banbridge was well beaten in this race last season, and ‘Plan A’ for Impaire Et Passe is to go to Aintree fresh.
Of the market leaders, only last year’s forecast Fact To File and Heart Wood look nailed on to run their races here which brings that third spot wide open and if JPR One can back up his Musselburgh win, then that run brings him into contention.
I’m amazed they’ve kept him to two miles for so long, having often looked in need of further or beaten by a more classier type. Having belatedly stepped up in trip for the first time since a novice hurdle success in 2022, he dominated an eight-runner Scottish Champion Chase off topweight from the front, giving 17lbs to the field.
Though he has come up short at Cheltenham in the past, that career best effort came after a prior career best RPR of 162 when a half-length second to the progressive David’s Well at Cheltenham giving him 25lbs, staying on well.
He appears to be in the form of his life after being equipped with cheek-pieces and if connections continue to adopt those aggressive tactics, it’s tough to envisage him not being placed particularly if that immaculate jumping from Musselburgh can be transferred back to Cheltenham.
FAQs: Cheltenham Festival ante-post tips
When & where is the Ryanair Chase run?
The Ryanair Chase will take place on Thursday 12 March 2026 at 4.00pm at the Cheltenham Festival.
When was this Cheltenham ante-post tip published?
This Cheltenham ante-post tip was published at 8.35am on Wednesday 4 March 2026.
Who is Matty Sutcliffe?
Matty Sutcliffe is one of GG’s newest contributors and is now a regular guest on our flagship Weekend Watch podcast. His angle is value bets, making him a perfect fit for our Cheltenham Festival ante-post series.
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