Cheltenham Showcase Meeting Day 1 Tips
Cheltenham stages its first meeting of the season on Friday and there is plenty to look forward to, including a grade two novice hurdle, where the in-form Olly Murphy and Sean Bowen appear to have an excellent chance.
13:15 – Handicap Hurdle
Minella Missile, a now eight year old gelding, makes his return in the Class 2 Handicap Hurdle (2m4f) at Cheltenham, bidding to rediscover the promise he showed as a novice in 2023.
The Evan Williams-trained runner was highly impressive that season, winning twice, including a Grade 2 over this very course and distance where he travelled strongly and jumped with purpose.
He missed the entirety of the following campaign before contesting a few tough handicaps earlier this year but remains a horse of real ability when at his best.
Proven around Cheltenham and capable on better ground, he’s clearly suited by these conditions.
With his old form marking him out as a quality performer, Minella Missile could go well if returning anywhere near the level he once showed.
Selection: Minella Missile
13:50 – Novices’ Chase
King Of Kingsfield has long been held in high regard and is now beginning to justify that reputation since switching to fences.
The Gordon Elliott-trained seven-year-old has quickly developed into a smart novice, winning three of his last four starts, including a tidy Grade 3 success at Punchestown last time where he travelled strongly and jumped fluently throughout.
That performance suggested he’s still improving, and his neat technique and pace make him a natural over the larger obstacles.
This represents a tougher test, but he arrives at Cheltenham full of confidence and clearly going the right way.
With Jack Kennedy continuing a fine run of form and the yard operating at a high strike-rate, King Of Kingsfield looks a major player once more in this Grade 2 assignment.
Selection: King Of Kingsfield
14:25 – Handicap Hurdle
The Chris Gordon-trained King William Rufus makes his seasonal return and looks the type to continue his upward curve.
The eight-year-old was a dual winner last term, including a game success over this course in April, and has shown a real liking for good ground.
He’s gone well fresh in the past, remains on a workable mark, and should give another bold account.
Selection: King William Rufus
15:00 – Novices’ Hurdle
Sir Galahad has made a flying start to his hurdling career, winning four of his six starts and proving himself a progressive and versatile performer.
The four-year-old showed his class when finishing a close second in a competitive handicap at Market Rasen last time, finding only Saligo Bay too strong but pulling nicely clear of the rest.
That performance underlined his consistency and confirmed he can mix it at a higher level. A slick jumper with a good attitude, he travels well and finds plenty when asked.
With Sean Bowen maintaining the partnership and conditions to suit, Sir Galahad looks set for another big run.
Selection: Sir Galahad
15:35 – Handicap Chase
Matata returns to Cheltenham, where he was narrowly denied by Calico in this race last year, and looks primed to go one better.
The seven-year-old enjoyed a fine campaign last season, winning twice and placing in several top handicaps and graded chases, including a strong third behind Jonbon at Aintree.
Known for his bold, front-running style, he often puts rivals under pressure from an early stage and thrives when allowed to dictate.
His slick jumping and natural pace make him a potent force around here, and he’s proven effective on both good and soft ground.
With fitness assured after a productive spell last term, Matata looks capable of reversing last year’s form with Calico and making a bold bid to kick off his new season in style.
Selection: Matata
16:10 – Novices’ Hurdle
Percy Shelley may still be learning his trade over hurdles, but he’s already shown enough to suggest there’s plenty more to come.
Officially, he’s had two outings over timber, though one of those was a walkover, leaving just his Uttoxeter debut to assess — and it was a performance full of promise.
Travelling strongly throughout, he jumped neatly and asserted with authority late on, marking himself down as a horse with natural ability for this new discipline.
Formerly a useful and consistent performer on the Flat, he was a multiple winner who steadily climbed the handicap ranks, showing stamina and determination in competitive staying contests.
Now switching focus to hurdles for the James Owen yard, he appears to have the right attributes for this trip.
With that encouraging introduction behind him and Sean Bowen booked once again, Percy Shelley could take another step forward on Friday.
Selection: Percy Shelley
16:45 – Handicap Chase
The Nigel and Willy Twiston Davies-trained The Newest One returns to Cheltenham off a 1lb lower mark than when winning this race last year off 122.
He was impressive that day, travelling strongly and asserting late on.
The Twiston Davies team typically start the season well, and if he’s tuned up, The Newest One should go close once again.
Selection: The Newest One
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
