Skelton fancy Protektorat faces eight in Ryanair defence 

David Power Jockeys’ Cup leader Harry Skelton has a good chance of picking up further points in Thursday’s Ryanair Chase after a mouthwatering clash between last year’s winner Protektorat, favourite Fact To File and French raider Il Est Francais was confirmed. 

Protektorat comes into the race on the back of a commanding defeat of the re-opposing Djelo at Windsor, while Il Est Francais was only collared late on when attempting to make all in the King George VI Chase at Kempton at Christmas. 

Il Est Francais represents the all-powerful Willie Mullins yard and holds the best form in the field after three runs this season. He beat Gold Cup favourite Galopin Des Champs first time out this term and has lost little caste in defeat in two efforts behind that rival since. 

Skelton’s lead at the top of the standings was at 62 points after day one of the Cheltenham Festival which saw the leading protagonists struggle to trouble the scorer on a dramatic afternoon. 

Thursday’s other main race – the Stayers’ Hurdle – features a larger field of 15 led by last year’s winner Teahupoo. Skelton will be hopeful that festival favourite Langer Dan can bounce back to his best, but the main challenge to Teahupoo is likely to come from fellow Irish raider Home By The Lee.