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Voy Por Ustedes
Festival favourite: the Ryanair Chase looks at the mercy of Voy Por Ustedes, who is seeking a third win in different races at Cheltenham

King's star chaser set to live up to his name

John O'Hara
11 Mar 2009


It translates as 'I go by you' when changed from Spanish to English and is a phrase that is symptomatic with the career of Voy Por Ustedes.

One of the most consistent performers of recent years, Alan King's popular chaser has indeed gone past many rivals and can do so again with a win in a third different Cheltenham Festival race tomorrow by taking the Grade 1 Ryanair Chase.

Voy Por Ustedes already has an Arkle and Champion Chase to his name and shouldn't have too much fuss in adding this two-mile five- furlong feature to his CV.

Twelve months ago owner Sir Robert Ogden's eight-year-old was put in his place by Master Minded in the Champion Chase, but there is nothing of that class here and a clear round would surely see the spoils landed.

Voy Por Ustedes warmed for this by sauntering home 14 lengths clear of Gwanako at Ascot last month, and should have little trouble confirming that superiority tomorrow.

Second favourite Imperial Commander, who looked smart when successful over course and distance in the Paddy Power Gold Cup in November, still has questions to answer at the top level after injuring himself early on in the King George VI Chase, where Voy Por Ustedes failed to stay the three-mile trip but did manage to take third place behind Kauto Star.

Nigel Twiston-Davies's young chaser is progressive, but still has a mountain to climb being officially rated 16lb inferior to the selection.

Cheltenham specialist Our Vic is bidding for back-to-back victories and merits respect, but David Pipe's 11-year-old also failed to run to top form last time, having been pulled up behind Kauto Star at Kempton.

However, a short-head defeat of the same horse at Aintree last April shows his class and a big run can be expected with the blinkers applied.

Monet's Garden is another advancing in years and Nicky Richards's grey will no doubt put on another bold show having been beaten just a length and a quarter by Voy Por Ustedes in the 2006 Arkle Chase.

But it could be that Howard Johnson's Tidal Bay emerges as the biggest challenger to Voy Por Ustedes. Having already enjoyed Festival success, the 2008 Arkle winner has been tried over differing distances this season but connections could have found his ideal trip here.

However, with Alan King's team in blistering form, this looks a straightforward task for Voy Por Ustedes to once again go by his rivals.

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