Cheltenham Tips for Friday 25th October – Through the Card Preview for Cheltenham’s Showcase Meeting

Cheltenham preview and betting tips for Friday 25th October on the first day of the October Showcase meeting. We get underway at 1.15pm and there are seven races to get through.

October marks the real start of the jumps season, with Chepstow, Stable Tours galore and, most importantly, a return to Prestbury Park. And while it may not come with the same prestige as a Festival win, a winner this weekend still pays the same at the bookies, so let’s look at Friday’s racecard to try and find some for you.

 

Cheltenham Tips Friday 25th October

• 1.15pm – PUSH THE BUTTON (8/1)
• 1.50pm – Path D’Oroux (11/10)
• 2.25pm – ARCLIGHT (9/1)
• 3.00pm – GALE MAHLER (4/5)
• 3.35pm – ARE U WISE TO THAT (6/1)
• 4.10pm – MINELLA SIXO (9/4)
• 4.45pm – AUCUNRISQUE (7/1)

 

1.15pm

We kick off with a handicap hurdle over 2m 4f. In the Air has racked up 2 quick wins since switching to Nicky Henderson but faces a tougher test here. It’s hard to believe that a horse that beat Constitution Hill in a point-to-point would be running here off 134 but Anyharminasking has never lived up to that retrospectively impressive debut. A chance is taken on PUSH THE BUTTON (8/1) who remained on 132 despite winning on his last outing and has race fitness on his side for a trainer who loves a winner in the Cotswolds.

 

1.50pm

There is a poor turnout for this novice chase and Path D’Oroux is hard to oppose getting weight from his rivals. Having run in some of the best 2m handicap chases last year, it’s hard to believe he is still a novice and will take all the beating. However, with all 4 rivals having had a prep run (and Cromwell’s runner coming here off a 6 Month break), I wouldn’t be too keen on taking the short price and am happy to sit and watch this race.

 

2.25pm

A contrasting race here which, even with the withdrawal of Madara, is full of quality. The favourite Matata came 4th in the Arkle over course and distance and is rightly favourite here. Dancing On My Own defied top weight to win this race last year off a similar mark but at 10 now, he has his work cut out for him, even on his favoured ground. ARCLIGHT (9/1) was hugely progressive over fences last year before completely blowing out at Kempton. However, Nicky Henderson’s subsequent form would lead me to give her a pass on that effort, so at the prices, she is worth a bet here.

 

3.00pm

GALE MAHLER (4/5) went to Galway over the Summer to land a big pot and take her tally to 6 Wins in a row. And while penalties mean that she won’t get her full 7 pound allowance from some of the geldings here I still think she is the likely winner and could indeed go on to be competitive in some higher profile mares novice contests this season. Paul Nichols and Dan Skeleton are represented with high profile owners so strong market support would be of note.

 

3.35pm

ARE U WISE TO THAT (6/1) represents a novel pairing of Derek O’Connor and AJ and Jonjo O’Neill. He was progressive last season, including a course and distance win off 125 in December. He has somehow been dropped 5 pounds (to 127) for a non-appearance at Chepstow so is an attractive proposition, especially as he won first time out last year and has easily the most successful and decorated Jockey on board.

 

4.10pm

Without a huge amount of form to go on, it is difficult to form a strong opinion. However, respect is given to the fact that Gordon Elliot is throwing MINELLA SIXO (9/4) in here off the back of a Maiden hurdle win in Fairyhouse just under 3 Weeks ago.

 

4.45pm

AUCUNRISQUE (7/1) is without doubt the class of the field as a former Betfair Hurdle winner. He loves good ground and races here off 1lb lower than that win. He does have to defy poor stable form but comes here off a decent pipe opener and has the talents of Freddie Gingell in the saddle who, Danny Gilligan aside, is arguably the best Jockey in this conditionals race.

 

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