Keeping faith as Voy Por Ustedes aims to upset odds

But Sir Robert's racing manager Barry Simpson admits that they are heading to the Cotswolds more in hope than expectation as Voy Por Ustedes bids for his third Festival success in next Thursday's Ryanair Chase.

The nine-year-old already has victories in the Arkle Trophy and Queen Mother Champion Chase to his credit and he chased home Imperial Commander – now a leading Gold Cup contender – in the Ryanair 12 months ago.

Alan King's gelding has failed to rediscover his finest form in three starts this season, but Simpson hopes the return to Cheltenham will bring the best out of Sir Robert's top chaser.

"He's in good form and bang on course for the Ryanair so we'll just have to see what happens on the day," said Simpson.

"When you look at the prices and consider he was odds-on last year and is a 16-1 chance this time, you'd have to say he is a big price, but I suppose you have to go on current form and he has had an in-and-out season.

"I think most people were of the opinion that he would have won the race last year but for making a terrible mistake, and that is not to take anything away from Imperial Commander.

"Our horse jumped appallingly first time out this season at Ascot but still ran a good race, while he just hasn't got home when we sent him over to Leopardstown.

"He was a bit disappointing at Newbury last time and while we weren't going there thinking he would beat Master Minded, we were expecting him to finish second.

"For some reason, he didn't show the same sparkle as he has done in the past but all I can say is Alan certainly hasn't lost faith in him.

"He obviously likes Cheltenham and the better ground that he should get there will suit him as well.

"It is a hot race this year again and he needs to bounce back, but he is still the best horse in the race on official ratings."

In other Cheltenham news, Howard Johnson has described possible Coral Cup starter On Raglan Road as potentially "the best horse in my yard" after battling back from a life-threatening tendon injury.

The seven-year-old is the only horse to finish in front of Dunguib when he won a bumper at Punchestown in April 2008.

He finished fourth behind Weapon's Amnesty in the Albert Bartlett at the Festival last year, but suffered a serious injury when he fell in the Sefton Novices' Hurdle at Aintree last April.

"On Raglan Road could be the best horse in my yard," said the Country Durham handler, who plans to run the highly-rated Tidal Bay in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.

"He snapped a leg at Aintree, it was horrible and they wanted to put him down but I told them not to.

"My vet worked wonders. He took a piece of flesh off his backside to fix the problem and he's got a big scar there now."

Solwhit, one of Ireland's leading Champion Hurdle hopes, could be a non-runner after scoping dirty on Monday morning.

The six-year-old has won three of his four starts this season and cemented his place towards the head of the ante-post betting for the Cheltenham feature after winning the Irish equivalent at Leopardstown in January.

Trainer Charles Byrnes said: "Things are very much in the balance and we've put him on antibiotics.

"The plan had been for him to travel over to England on Saturday but that will have to be put on hold now."

Sky Bet have pushed Solwhit out to 5-1 from 4-1 and clipped Go Native into 3-1 favourite from 100-30, although trainer Noel Meade admits the decision to start watering the track by Cheltenham officials is not welcome news.

HENRY Daly believes pulled muscles in his back may explain Grand National prospect Possol's disappointing display in Saturday's Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster where the seven-year-old was pulled up.

Meanwhile, Grimthorpe victor Wogan – who was given a dream ride by Malton-born Andrew Tinkler – will bypass Cheltenham, the 10-year-old's owner Peter Deal confirmed.