Horse Racing: Tranquil Sea ready to fly high in Ryanair Chase

Published on Wednesday 17 March 2010 09:27

TRANQUIL SEA can be the leading light on day three of the Cheltenham Festival.

Trained in Ireland by Edward O'Grady, the eight-year-old must have an outstanding chance in the Ryanair Chase.

The Grade One-winning hurdler has excelled since being switched to fences, turning in one of the season's most impressive triumphs when routing a white-hot Paddy Power Gold Cup field by upwards of four-and-a-half lengths in November.

Runner-up that day was subsequent Boylesports.com Gold Cup scorer Poquelin, who is now favourite for the Ryanair.

While held in lofty esteem by his connections in Ditcheat, Paul Nicholls' seven-year-old needs to have improved markedly to reverse form with Tranquil Sea.

Although O'Grady's charge was subsequently turned over by Golden Silver at Leopardstown at Christmas, it was far from a disgraceful display over an inadequate trip.

The Newlands Chase at Leopardstown in February also represented a distance way short of his optimum, but that did not prevent him from winning.

Despite that success, most observers concur that Tranquil Sea will be far happier with his lot over this two miles and five furlongs. Critics may suggest the gelding is best with plenty of dig in the ground, but he has won a Grade One heat at Punchestown on good, so that is surely not a big issue.