Cheltenham Showcase Betting Tips

The action is set to heat up at Gloucestershire Racecourse with the Cheltenham Showcase this weekend starting on Friday 27th October with the Foundation Developments Conditional Jockey's Handicap Hurdle at 1.35pm! Check out our betting tips below for every race of the 2023 Cheltenham Showcase event.

The Showcase at Cheltenham Day One Tips

It is day one of The Showcase Meeting at Cheltenham on Friday. It raises the curtain on the 2023/24 campaign at the Gloucestershire racecourse and it could highlight some horses to follow for the rest of the season.

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Here are tips for all seven races on the card from the season opener at Jump Racing’s HQ.

1.35 Cheltenham – Foundation Developments Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle (2m½f)

SHETLAND TONY made a winning start for his new trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies when he scored at Stratford earlier this month over their extended 2m trip. The four-year-old, who used to be with Gordon Elliott in Ireland, made all, scoring by 18 lengths. He has a 7lb rise in the ratings to overcome at Cheltenham, but he should be even fitter now so further progress is likely.

Selection: Shetland Tony

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2.10 Cheltenham – squareintheair.com Novices’ Chase (2m)

Two-time hurdles winner MY MATE MOZZIE made a promising start over fences at Fairyhouse (2m½f) earlier this month when he was second of 13 runners on ground that was questionably considered to be soft. Gavin Cromwell is opting to apply a tongue-tie to his horse, who was rated as high as 145 over hurdles. And with just three rivals to beat, he can step up to get off the mark in his second chase appearance.

Selection: My Mate Mozzie

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2.45 Cheltenham – Trustatrader Novices’ Hurdle (2m4f)

Lucinda Russell’s mare EL ELFANTE has won all three of her starts under Rules, including when successful in a novice hurdles contest at Perth (2m4f) a few weeks ago, scoring by 24 lengths in a field that included three former winners. She next makes the trip south of the border and she can maintain her 100 per cent start for the Grand National-winning trainer.

Selection: El Elefante

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3.20 Cheltenham – 2023 Thoroughbred Census Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (2m4f)

Hurdles winner GINNY’S DESTINY moved from Tom Lacey to Paul Nicholls earlier this month. He showed a lot of promise last season, breaking his maiden over hurdles at Warwick (2m5f). The seven-year-old looks like a smart jumper so expect to see further improvement on his debut over fences. He’s the one they all have to beat in this handicap chase, despite having top weight on his back.

Selection: Ginny’s Destiny

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3.55 Cheltenham – Sky Bet Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2 - 2m½f)

TOTO TOO made a winning start over hurdles when cruising to victory at Navan (1m7½f) last month. That was his second consecutive triumph, as he also prevailed in a bumper at Killarney (2m1f) during the summer. Peter Fahey’s novice appears to be smart and he can prove that in this Grade Two contest, ensuring it is a successful trip across the Irish Sea.

Selection: Toto Too

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4.30 Cheltenham – Close Brothers Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase (3m1f)

Two-time course-and-distance winner STRICTLYADANCER was successful at this meeting 12 months ago. He’s a horse who is often at his best in the early stages of the season when fresh. This latest mark of 121 is 1lb lower than his last victory, so he goes into this race with a big chance of adding to his tally at this racecourse.

Selection: Strictlyadancer

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5.05 Cheltenham – Abu Dhabi Digital Markets Handicap Hurdle (2m4f)

LALLYGAG was victorious three times last season for champion trainer Paul Nicholls in his novice hurdles campaign. He also didn’t fare badly when finishing third at this course on his handicap debut. Apprentice Freddie Gingell claims 7lb off his back for this assignment, which should ensure he has a racing weight that he can take full advantage of in the final race on day one of this meeting.

Selection: Lallygag

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The Showcase at Cheltenham Day Two Tips

It is day two of The Showcase Meeting at Cheltenham on Saturday, which includes the Masterson Holding Hurdle and some fascinating handicap races across the afternoon.

Here are tips for all seven contests on the card from Jump Racing’s HQ.

1.15 Cheltenham – Epic Value At William Hill Handicap Chase (2m)

RED ROOKIE has plenty of experience over fences now, with eight chase appearances. He scored over this 2m trip at Warwick on his penultimate outing. He was unable to successfully follow up at Kempton (2m2f) in May where he ran flat. This horse tends to go well when fresh, so he should bounce back with a big run on his opening start of the campaign.

Selection: Red Rookie

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1.50 Cheltenham – Masterson Holdings Hurdle (2m½f)

After having wind surgery back in January, BLUEKING D’OROUX returned a much better horse. The former French raider was successful in a handicap hurdle at Ascot (1m7½). He then finished second of 20 runners at Aintree on his final start of the season. Paul Nicholls’ runner is a long way ahead of his rivals in the ratings here, and his class can show in this race for the four-year-olds.

Selection: Blueking D’Oroux

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2.25 Cheltenham – Epic Jumps Season At William Hill Handicap Chase (3m1f)

QUICK DRAW continued his progression over fences when he scored at Ludlow (3m) just a few weeks ago. He made all in that race, going clear of his rivals from three fences out to prevail by 21 lengths. The Seven Barrows runner is likely to make the running again and he may not see another rival.

Selection: Quick Draw

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3.00 Cheltenham – Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (3m)

BUGS MORAN returned to action at Galway (2m6½f) in August following a lengthy lay-off. He finished second of 16 runners in a Listed race in what was an excellent reappearance. Noel Meade’s runner then had to settle for the runner-up spot at Listowel (2m4f) a month later. A step back up to 3m will help his chances of getting back into the winner’s enclosure, while he will also benefit from a strong pace.

Selection: Bugs Moran

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3.35 Cheltenham – William Hill Epic Weekend Free Bet Novices’ Hurdle (3m)

ANTRIM COAST built on two promising performances to break his maiden at Punchestown (2m4f) a couple of weeks ago. He got stronger as that race progressed, so this step up to 3m looks ideal for Gavin Cromwell’s runner. If he produces a repeat of what he showed at Punchestown, he can successfully follow up in this small field.

Selection: Antrim Coast

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4.10 Cheltenham – William Hill Lengthen Your Odds Novices’ Chase (3m½f)

FLOORING PORTER has been one of the leading staying hurdlers for a number of years now. He now gets his chance to try chasing. The Irish-based horse was rated at 156 over hurdles, which is a long way clear of his three rivals here. If he jumps well, he should be able to add more success to his record at Cheltenham.

Selection: Flooring Porter

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4.45 Cheltenham – Cheltenham & South West Racing Club Open National Hunt Flat Race (2m½f)

MARTIN PLAGE won on his sole point-to-point appearance in impressive style by 20 lengths back in April. He is related to some useful winners and he is the standout runner in this bumper to end the card on day two of the Showcase Meeting.

Selection: Martin Plage

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Whether you’re placing a bet at Cheltenham, Kempton or Aintree, the National Hunt Season is full of top-class racing. Not only do we have the main meetings at Bet UK, we also have daily horse racing betting from across the UK and Ireland, so you’ll never miss a hurdle or chase race.

Normally National Hunt racing does run throughout the entire UK horse racing calendar. However, the main events happen between October and April, where the biggest horses in jumps racing will feature in Grade 1 handicaps.

Before placing a bet on any National Hunt Horse racing at Bet UK, you’ll need to know the ins and outs of National Hunt Racing. So, whether you’re looking for a win, place or each way, we’ve got you covered.

In our National Hunt Guide, we’ll talk you through all of the betting options and give you some insight into how to select a horse that can handle the distance and going conditions.

National Hunt Bets at Bet UK?

Win Bet in the National Hunt

A simple bet; it basically means you’re betting on a horse to finish in first place.

Place Bet in the National Hunt

As well as betting on a horse to win a race, punters can place a bet on a horse to finish either second or third in a race.

Each way Bet in the National Hunt

This option provides punters with two separate bets - one to win and one to place. Normally the place part of the bet is settled on the first three horses to finish; however, this can vary depending on the number of horses in the race and whether the race is a handicap.

Non-Handicap Races 2-4 Runners pays on win only 5-7 Runners pay on the first and second with a ¼ of the odds 8 or more runners will pay out on first, second and third with a ⅕ of the odds

Handicap Races 2-4 Runners pays on win only 5-7 Runners will pay on the first and second and offer ¼ of the odds 8-11 Runners on the first, second or third places with a ¼ of the odds 12-15 Runners on first, second and third with a ¼ of the odds 16+ Runners pays on the first four to pass the post with a ¼ of the odds

Forecast Betting

If you want to pick more than one horse in a race, then a forecast could be the best option for you. Within this bet, you will select a horse who will finish in first and second place, and the bet will only pay out if that scenario occurs.

Tricast

This bet is similar to a forecast but involves three horses, and the bettor must select them to finish correctly in first, second and third for the bet to pay out.

What races will horses feature in during the National Hunt Season?

Bumpers are National Hunt flat races that feature zero obstacles. Normally for younger horses who have no experience over hurdles or fences, they will make their debuts in these races in preparation for the next season.

Hurdles are the smallest of the National Hunt obstacles. These are where horses will progress to after bumper races.

Chase fences are the larger obstacles in National Hunt racing. These steeplechase fences require more skill to jump than hurdles, and horses can often fall if they misjudge the size of the fence.

What are novice National Hunt races?

These types of races are specifically for horses who are new to the National Hunt Racing. Common over hurdles and chase fences, multiple races can be seen throughout the season.

What are Handicap races?

Like those seen in the flat season, handicap races are the most common in National Hunt Racing. Each horse in these races will carry different weights depending on its most recent performances.

What are Conditions races?

Unlike handicaps, every horse involved in a conditions race will carry the same weight regardless of their form.

What are the Different Grades of Races Used in National Hunt Racing?

Like other UK horse racing, many of the races across the National Hunt Season will have classifications ranging from Grade 1, which are the biggest races on the calendar, to Grade 2, Grade 3, down to listed races, handicaps and then bumpers. Races will also be given a class of 1-7, with Grade 1-3 contests falling under class 1.

What are the key National Hunt Racing Days

Throughout the National Hunt Season, there are key meetings on which punters will potentially place bets. These are the:

Betfair Chase King George VI Chase at Kempton Cheltenham Festival, which features the Champion Hurdle, the Champion Chase, and the Cheltenham Gold Cup Aintree Festival, which includes the Grand National

What are the most common types of going in National Hunt Racing?

Due to main National Hunt races happening in the winter months, the going conditions for the races are Good to Soft (good ground holding water), Soft (common in the jumps season, the ground holds more moisture) and Heavy (very wet and can be difficult to run on). In Ireland, Yielding is the equivalent of good to soft.

National Hunt Horses to Watch in 2022/23

Honeysuckle

Given her form since 2020 season, it's hard to ignore Honeysuckle. The winner of Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown and the Punchestown Champions Hurdle, she looks set to keep her unbeaten run intact this season. We expect to see her in Ireland at some point in November, so keep your eyes on the racecards.

Famoso

A half brother to Tornado Flyer and with bloodlines to Hurricane Fly, it’s hard to ignore the pedigree of Famoso. Trained by Paul Nicholls, it looks as though he’ll go out over distances of just over 2 miles and given the fact he’s had an extra year to mature, we think he’ll soon go beyond his 111 rating.

Exelerator Express

Trained by Bet UK ambassador Neil Mulholland Exelerator Express was victorious in four of his seven outings in 2021 and has also placed in two of those races. He’s expected to head to Cheltenham Festival later in the season with the Arkle the aim.

Coconut Splash

Trained by Evan Williams, this six-year-old ran well last season and finished the campaign with a rating of 137 as a novice chaser. He’ll most likely head to somewhere like Chepstow or Wetherby for his first start of the season, as he seems to favour soft or heavy ground. He’s still a novice when it comes to chasing so it may take a race for him to find his feet, but given that he finished second behind Chantry House in his last race, we expect to see good things.

Ante Post betting, also known as futures betting, is well known with regards to horse racing betting. Horse racing betting often offers odds on big races long before they actually take place, allowing you to potentially get better odds and bigger returns.

What is Ante Post betting?

Ante Post betting is when you place a bet on a horse race before the race card is confirmed and the race actually takes place. For example, the Cheltenham Festival Gold Cup is a popular Ante Post race, as it is one of the biggest races of the horse racing calendar. In the run up to the race, there might be a wide selection of horses that are speculated to be entered into the race. Until the racecard is officially confirmed, any bet placed on the race will effectively be classed as Ante Post.

There are also some risks with Ante Post betting however. As the racecards are not yet confirmed, there is a chance that your selection might not even race. So although you might get increased odds on a sure favourite, there is a chance that your horse has no chance of winning. With Ante Post betting, any bet that is placed and then does not run, will be resulted in a loss. This means that no refunds will be issued and the stake will be lost.

Ante Post betting also applies to more betting markets than just horse racing. There are also other sports that feature ante post betting, including football betting. For example, a bet on the outright winner of the Premier League would be an ante post bet, as it will not be settled until the end of the season. These kind of ante post bets provide less risk however, as the team you bet on is guaranteed to take part in the Premier League season.

Ante Post Betting Example

• The Cheltenham Gold Cup is raced every March at Cheltenham racecourse, but markets for the race are typically open all year round. In anticipation of the race, you decide to place a bet on Horse A in January.
• As the race draws closer, the race card is confirmed. Horse A has instead been entered into another race and will not be taking part in the Gold Cup.
• With Horse A entering into another race, your bet will be resulted in a loss. Unless there is a special ‘No Runner No Bet’ offer, a horse not running will always result in a loss with no stake being returned. If there is ‘No Runner No Bet’ offer, then the stake will be returned.
• If Horse A does run, then the bet will be settled as normal. The bet will also avoid any Rule 4 declarations, meaning that your chances of winning will be increased, but your payout will remain the same.

Head back to our Bet UK Betting Guides for more information on our huge selection of betting markets.

Bet UK's online betting has the latest Ante Post betting on the biggest racing festivals, including the 2025 Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot. Bet UK's sports betting blog covers the latest sporting news from all major events, including the latest odds, tips and previews.