Horse Racing Tips
Cheltenham Tips Friday: Showcase Meeting Predictions (2025)
Friday marks the opening day of Cheltenham’s calendar, offering traditional racing fans and sports enthusiasts their long-awaited fix.
It’s a chance to welcome back the sport’s biggest names, spot rising stars in action, and get a first glimpse of what’s new for the season ahead.
1.15pm – 2m4f William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Class 3)
A tricky 20-runner handicap hurdle kicks off proceedings, with the vote just going the way of the Tom Symonds-trained NAVAJO INDY.
The Nathaniel-gelding started last season in fine style, clocking up a double, then acquitted himself well in Class 1 and 2 handicaps. Today is a drop down in class for the six-year-old, so a bold each-way show is expected.
1.50pm – 2m Novices’ Chase (Class 2)
Gordon Elliott’s KING OF KINGSFIELD (NAP) is in the form of his life this autumn, and can continue the good run at Prestbury Park.
He was the comfortable winner of a decent little Grade 3 Novice Chase at Punchestown just nine days ago, and looks the horse they all have to beat here.
2.25pm – 2m½f Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle (Class 3)
Six-year-old NORMAN FLETCHER has made a flying start to his last two seasons, and I was particularly impressed with him when he completed a double at Aintree last December.
He really looked in need of his seasonal debut at Chepstow and will strip fitter for the outing. James Turner takes the ride and odds of 14/1 look generous enough to me.
3.00pm – 2m½f Sharp Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2)
Identified as a horse to follow this season, Irish point-to-point recruit UN SENS A LA VIE dotted up nicely on his Market Rasen bumper debut, and should be worth a flutter in this novice hurdle division.
3.35pm – 2m squareintheair.com Handicap Chase (Class 2)
Irish raider JASKO DES DAMES is the selection for this two mile chase.
Henry de Bromhead’s yard is in fine form – currently operating at a 21% strike-rate, and this horse put in a good reappearance when second at Listowel last month.
A seven-length fifth behind Jazzy Matty in last season’s Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival, Jasko Des Dames can move up yet another notch on Friday.
4.10pm – 2m4f Novices’ Hurdle (Class 2)
PERCY SHELLEY may have won courtesy of a walkover last time out, but prior to that was a very convincing scorer at Uttoxeter over today’s distance.
The six-year-old is admittedly moving up in class today, but the positive jockey booking of Sean Bowen will be an additional bonus to his chances.
4.45pm – 3m1f Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase (Class 3) (4yo+ 0-125)
Neil Mulholland’s KELCE rounded off his season with a victory at Wetherby, and the consistent stayer can carry on from where he left off in this race for amateur riders.
Amateur jockey Adam Ryan appears to be quite proficient in the saddle too. He’s registered 14 winners from 52 rides in the last twelve months, which is an amazing 27% strike-rate!
*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*
