Prince on target for Ryanair

Paul Nolan is hopeful the combination of better ground and a recent operation will leave Noble Prince spot on for the Ryanair Chase.

The Montjeu gelding, who triumphed in last year's Jewson Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, is 11/2 favourite with Paddy Power after the latest scratching stage.

Noble Prince was last seen in action at Fairyhouse last month when finding Blazing Tempo three quarters of a length too good on soft ground over 2m1f in the Normans Grove Chase.

“He's an intended runner in the Ryanair and I'm very pleased with him since that last outing,” said Nolan.

“Everything so far is on schedule and hopefully there will be no hiccups and we can get him there as well as last year and if so, I'll be very happy.

“He is vulnerable on ground like it was at Fairyhouse and that's why we have stuck to the minimum trip on that ground.

“He has had a slight wind operation since then which should help.”

“You can never be confident going to Cheltenham and I'm just hoping to get there in one piece first. I'm happy with him at the moment and then hopefully he'll run a respectable race and give the owner a good day out,” Nolan added.

Rubi Light is 6/1 second favourite for the “Ryanair”, and Power’s offer 7/4 that there is an Irish-trained winner of the race.

Paddy Power bet:11-2 Noble Prince, 6 Rubi Light, Somersby, 9 Riverside Theatre, 11 Albertas Run, Kauto Stone, Medermit, 12 Blazing Tempo, Captain Chris, Great Endeavour, 14 Poquelin, Quel Esprit, Wishfull Thinking, 16 Realt Dubh, 20 Champion Court, Gauvain, 25 Forpadydeplasterer, Kalahari King, Little Josh, Tartak, 33 bar.