Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) (Registered As The Festival Trophy)

A race that now doesn’t look as deep as it was once going to be but it’s still an interesting renewal with Un De Sceaux stepping up in trip as he bids to go one better than his runner-up slot over 2m at the Festival last year. He has won over this trip but that form came over hurdles in France and his exuberant jumping isn’t always bombproof. EMPIRE OF DIRT had a choice of engagements at the Festival with connections finally deciding to come here and this strong travelling sort may well find the 2m5f trip ideal for him. Former winner of the race Uxizandre was beaten by Un De Sceaux last time out when returning from a long absence and a return to this distance gives him a good chance of reversing that form. Both Josses Hill and Sub Lieutenant add to the depth of the race, with the former looking as though he has got his act together over fences this season and the latter worthy of another chance in this grade over a trip that suits.

1. Empire Of Dirt
2. Sub Lieutenant
3. Un De Sceaux