PROTEKTION RACKET

Every reason to believe champ won't repeat Ryanair Chase win

- RORY DELARGY

3.20 Cheltenham - Ryanair Chase (Grade 1) 2m 4f 127y Protektorat hadn't stayed the 34m of the Gold Cup and duly benefitted from the drop in trip and return to aggressive tactics when winning this race last year.

He's a year older now and had looked slightly regressive until bouncing back to form to outjump and outspeed Djelo at Windsor in January, form which looks better in light of Grade 2 wins for the runner-up either side of that defeat.

Protektorat may not get loose on the lead this time, which tempers confidence, but he arrives in form, and his Cheltenham record stands up to scrutiny.

Djelo appeared to stay 3m when winning the Denman at Newbury last time, but he essentially swamped some stayers for speed there, getting to the front easily before holding on with a bit in hand.