Ferof features in Ryanair dozen

Al Ferof, Benefficient and Dynaste are among 12 runners in Thursday’s Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham, with First Lieutenant a significant absentee.

First Lieutenant was runner-up behind Cue Card in the two-mile-five-furlong Grade One 12 months ago, but the Mouse Morris-trained nine-year-old appears bound for a tilt at the Cheltenham Gold Cup at this year’s Festival.

Benefficient and Dynaste were first and second respectively in last year’s Jewson Novices’ Chase, which is now sponsored by JLT, and will lock horns again.