(3.5 minutes read)
The final decision for Fact To File has finally been made and connections have settled for the Grade One mid distance classic on Day 3 of Cheltenham Festival 2026.
However, Nicky Henderson has surprised many by supplementing the enigmatic speedster Jonbon for the race. An epic battle between speed and stamina is on the cards!
We preview the action with best Ryanair Chase bets from our partner firms Bet365, William Hill, Betfred, Bet Victor and Boylesports.
Fact To File
The will he/wont he saga certainly dragged on!! After his heroic win in the Punchestown Irish Gold Cup, the pathway seemed set in stone for a crack at the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
However, the Gold Cup field has considerable strength and depth about it, despite the lack of confirmed marathon stayers in the field. Therefore, the chance to retain his Ryanair Chase title from last year was too tempting, such was the manner of his triumphant victory last year.
And with Gaelic Warrior almost certainly heading for the Blue Riband, Fact To File arguably has an easier task than last year. Current odds certainly reflect that. Fact To File is best odds of 4/6 with Bet365. If he gets round unscathed, that could be fair value.
Banbridge
The Joseph O’Brien trained 2024 King George winner looked back to his best in the latest renewal of the Kempton classic, finishing a close second to The Jukebox Man.
He did not stay in last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup; therefore, the Ryanair trip could be tailor made. He still needs to improve a little to get competitive with Fact To File’s potential over this trip, but the King George run will have given connections huge confidence for this. Best odds of 13/2 with Bet365 and Betfred.
Jonbon
The enigmatic Seven Barrows trained star is just about reaching the twilight of his career but still seems to be full of exuberance based on his recent excellent Ascot Grade 1 win.
It was always predicted that this full brother to Douvan would eventually up in trip, although early indications from trainer Nicky Henderson suggested he would skip Cheltenham for the Aintree meeting.
Nevertheless, there has been a change of heart, and he takes his place in the Ryanair. It could be a shrewd decision as I think he has been crying out to go further for some time now. I think he will relish the trip, such is his versatility, range, engine, and speed.
Let us not forget how brilliantly he recovered from a devastating mistake in last year’s Champion Chase, to finish second to Marine Nationale. Great each way value at 15/2 with William Hill.
Impaire Et Passe
This former Turner Novices Hurdle winner oddly has not run at Cheltenham since that win but has performed well in both Grade Two and Grade One races around 2 miles and 2 miles 4 furlongs.
His latest run in the Red Mills Chase Grade Two at Gowran Park, winning narrowly will have him set nicely for this. He appreciates cut in the ground so any rain will certainly aid his chances.
With rain forecasted on Thursday, he could figure in the mix at a decent price. Best odds of 9/1 with William Hill.
Heart Wood
This Henry De Bromhead eight-year-old has been running well in lower grade events but was really found out in a Grade One last November at Punchestown, finishing a distant fourth to Gaelic Warrior.
He will need to improve significantly to figure here. Best odds of 10/1 with William Hill.
Summary
This should be on paper a formality for last year’s winner Fact To File. The magnificent way he roasted the field in that manner was exquisite and probably the best performance of last year’s Cheltenham Festival.
Despite a flat King George performance, he returned dramatically to form in the Irish Gold Cup to restore himself to the head of the market here.
However, the presence of Jonbon could provide a significant nuisance. His pace and exuberance are the antipathy of Fact To File’s more measured approach to staying chases: it is possible that Jonbon could outpace Fact To File to leave the horse with a job to do at the business end.
SELECTION: JONBON EACH WAY 15/2 with William Hill.
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