Britain vs Ireland: Allaho 'looks difficult to oppose' in the Ryanair Chase

There has been plenty of chatter over the last 12 months surrounding the Irish domination at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival.

The vast majority of horse racing fans seem to be expecting a similar display come March, but where do the British-trained runners stand with their Irish counterparts? In the fourth installment of this series, Ross Millar takes a deep dive into the Ryanair Chase.

Ten-year rivalry: Ireland 5 v UK 5

Best of the Irish: Allaho

Allaho put up the performance of the festival last year when he set a frenetic pace and sustained his effort to romp home in this race by 12 lengths. Nothing could go with him that day, including Fakir D’Oudairies, who suffered a carbon-copy defeat at the hands of Willie Mullins’ chaser at Thurles in January.

Allaho appears in better form this year as he tries to retain his crown - last season connections tried him over a variety of distances and it didn’t always pan out. And the manner in which he recorded his aforementioned Thurles success looks ominous for his Ryanair opposition.

Although there is no such thing as a certainty when horses are involved, it is hard to find many weaknesses when assessing his chance.

Best of the British: Eldorado Allen

Colin and Joe Tizzard are renowned for their bold calls when pinpointing future targets, so there is a chance that Eldorado Allen may yet divert to the Gold Cup (he would need to be supplemented). However, at this stage he remains the main British hope for the Ryanair.

His Denman Chase win was extremely impressive and I was particularly taken by his jumping. He had enough pace to win over 2m last season before struggling to lay up with the principles in last year’s Arkle, but he rallied well to pass tired horses up the hill and take second place.

Eldorado Allen has shown his versatility over a number of trips, so he might be able to keep tabs on Allaho in the early stages. Providing that is the case, he has the necessary stamina to give him a race after the last fence.

Eyecatching Irish outsider: Janidil, Chatham Street Lad

Many of the market principles look set to run elsewhere, but Janidil is a horse of undoubted potential and this might well be his trip. 

Chatham Street Lad: winner of the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup. Alan Crowhurst

At a bigger price, Chatham Street Lad is interesting despite missing the Red Mills Chase due to a minor knock. He has run well at Cheltenham on two occasions; firstly when bolting up in the Caspian Caviar Chase and then when fourth in last season’s Marsh Chase.

An error at the third-last cost him crucial momentum and his position in the latter event, but he rallied well up the hill and was arguably better than the bare result.

Eyecatching British outsider: Saint Calvados

Saint Calvados was a late non-runner on account of the ground in this race last year, and has since moved to Paul Nicholls from Harry Whittington. He made an excellent start for the yard in the King George when in receipt of a strange ride from Gavin Sheehan, but his Ascot Chase run initially appeared disappointing. However, it was subsequently reported that he bled.

Paul Nicholls has a big job to get him prepared for Cheltenham off such a poor run, but there is no-one better equipped for the job and he has also suggested that he feels Saint Calvados may actually appreciate some better ground.

He was runner-up in this race in 2020 and is most certainly a high-class animal - if his master trainer can get him there in top form then he is capable of outrunning his current odds.

Verdict: UK or Ireland?

Last year’s winner Allaho looks difficult to oppose for Ireland. Eldorado Allen and Saint Calvados shouldn’t be underestimated but might face an impossible task.