A lot like how the Supreme ties in with the Turners the Ryanair ties in with the Gold Cup.We still don’t know the final field but what I do know is wherever Fact To File goes I want to be with him! If he does come here he is likely to go off a short priced favourite just like he did winning the race impressively by 9 lengths last year.Willie Mullins could still decide to send him for the Gold Cup and if that happens then stablemate Gaelic Warrior will likely come here and also be a warm order.This race is expected to cut up quite badly so there is definitely each way value to be had if you dig deep enough.Quick picks for the Ryanair ChaseFACT TO FILE – 17/20 with SBKFIREFOX – 14/1 with BoyleSportsCheltenham 4.00 Ryanair Chase – Key stats and trends Age12 of the last 12 winners were aged between 7 and 92 of the last 3 winners were aged 90 of the last 12 winners were aged 10 or older Price6 of the last 12 winners were favourites or joint favourites10 of the last 12 winners were in the top 3 in the betting3 of the last 5 winners were favourites Form4 of the last 12 winners won on their previous run before the Ryanair Chase10 of the last 12 winners ran within the last 77 days12 of the last 12 winners had at least 2 previous runs at Cheltenham Rating11 of the last 12 winners were rated 162 or higher4 of the last 12 winners were rated 170 or higher9 of the last 10 winners were rated 163 or higher Other pointers12 of the last 15 winners had previously won a Grade 1 or Grade 2 chase10 of the last 12 winners had already won at Cheltenham7 of the last 9 winners had run at the Dublin Racing Festival earlier that seasonRyanair Chase preview & tipsThe Ryanair used to attract quite a big field but that hasn’t been the case in recent years and it is looking like this could cut up quite badly again.The betting is suggesting last year’s winner FACT TO FILE will return to defend his crown. Judging by the way he put them away at the Dublin Racing Festival if he does come here over the Gold Cup he really should be winning.I appreciate his price has collapsed somewhat but there are very few negatives regarding his chance so when it is confirmed he looks like he’ll be one of the first names in those Cheltenham Festival accas.Depending on what Fact To File does will shape this race. If he does come here as the vibes suggest then Gaelic Warrior will head for the Gold Cup on Friday so the opposition will be slim on the ground.Jonbon could go for the Champion Chase but whichever route he picks it is no easy task. Jango Baie is another one who could opt for Gold Cup glory over this race.Each way angle?It is hard to be bullish about anything at bigger prices but FIREFOX definitely catches the eye at 18/1. There is still a chance he goes for the Gold Cup too but if he does decide to come here with the ground drying perfect for him he is definitely one I can see hitting the frame in behind Fact To File.He was fourth behind that rival at the DRF but this ground will be much more to his liking and he is still fairly lightly raced for his age too so at the prices there is enough there to want to chance him.My picks:FACT TO FILETrainer: Willie MullinsForm: 122-2111-12314-261Age: 9Weight: 11-10 Bet on FACT TO FILE to win the Ryanair Chase at 17/20 with SBK FIREFOXTrainer: Gordon ElliottForm: 4211-114322-132362-124Age: 8Weight: 11-10 Bet on FIREFOX to win the Ryanair Chase at 14/1 with BoyleSports Last 12 winners of the Arkle ChaseYearHorseTrainerJockey2014DynasteDavid PipeTom Scudamore2015UxizandreAlan KingTony McCoy2016VautourWillie MullinsRuby Walsh2017Un De SceauxWillie MullinsRuby Walsh2018Balko Des FlosHenry De BromheadDavy Russell2019FrodonPaul NichollsBryony Frost2020MinWillie MullinsPaul Townend2021AllahoWillie MullinsRachael Blackmore2022AllahoWillie MullinsPaul Townend2023Envoi AllenHenry De BromheadRachael Blackmore2024ProtektoratDan SkeltonHarry Skelton2025Fact To FileWillie MullinsMark WalshCheltenham Festival 2026 news, tips and free bets:Cheltenham 2026 free bets and betting offersCheltenham ante-post tipsCheltenham Festival 2026 favourites and outsidersCheltenham 2026 horses to watchCheltenham 2026 top trainers + jockeysWillie Mullins winnersNicky Henderson winnersGordon Elliott winnersAbout the authorJoe NorrisI’m Joe Norris, co-founder and Director of GetYourTipsOut (GYTO), which I launched in 2009 to provide daily sports betting tips, with the main focus on horse racing. Over the years, I’ve earned a reputation for offering reliable and profitable tips, which led to being named “Best Sports Betting Tipster” in 2023. Alongside my work at GYTO, I also contribute predictions to platforms like Oddschecker, allowing me to share my insights with a wide community of sports enthusiasts and bettors.Find Joe on X: @JoeNorrisGYTOCommercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.orgRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.Most read in BettingMansfield Town vs Arsenal predictions and betting tips - Gunners continue quadruple dreamCheltenham 2026 Stayers' Hurdle tipsGet £50 in free bets using our BOYLESPORTS PROMO CODE ahead of Newcastle vs Man CityIpswich v Leicester betting tips and predictions - Tractor Boys to plough on?Wrexham v Chelsea betting tips and predictions - Goals on the menu in exciting encounter?Newcastle vs Man City betting tips and predictions - Toon to do the Manchester double?