The seven-year-old is enjoying a fine season so far having won twice from three starts at Prestbury Park, including a runaway success in last month’s Boylesports.com Gold Cup.

POQUELIN 4-1 FAVOURITE FOR A STAR-STUDDED RYANAIR

A host of chasing stars fill the betting for the Cheltenham Festival’s Ryanair Chase – where Paul Nicholls bids for a third win in the race with William Hill’s 4-1 ante-post favourite Poquelin.

The seven-year-old has secured his last three victories at Prestbury Park, in addition to finishing runner-up to the Ryanair 13-2 third-favourite Tranquil Sea over course and distance last November.

Last year’s winner Imperial Commander is a 7-1 chance with Hills to win back-to-back renewals, but strong ante-post Gold Cup support suggests that Nigel Twiston’s-charge will instead opt for the longer Championship race.

Other notable entries include 6-1 second-favourite Barbers Shop – well backed since his absence from the Gold Cup entries – and last year’s runner-up Voy Por Ustedes.

Kate Miller, spokeswoman for William Hill, said: ‘’The Ryanair is one of the most competitive betting heats of the Festival. Punters have been persistently backing Poquelin, but Planet of Sound, Tranquil Sea, and Barbers Shop are all attracting plenty of support.’’



Ryanair Chase: 4-1 Poquelin, 6-1 Barbers Shop, 13-2 Tranquil Sea, 7-1 Imperial Commander, 8-1 Voy Por Ustedes, 10-1 Joncol, Punchestowns, 12-1 Petit Robin, Planet Of Sound, 16-1 Forpadydeplasterer, 20-1 Chapoturgeon, Bay, Deep Purple, Golden Silver, In Compliance, Jack the Giant, Schindlers Hunt, Tidal Bay, 25-1 Albertas Run, Barker, Herecomesthetruth, Rare Bob, 33-1 Aran Concerto, Glencove Marina, Gwanako, Scotsirish, Tartak, 40-1 bar (EW 1/4 1,2,3)