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Megan Nicholls Racing Preview: Cheltenham Showcase Meeting Day 1 Tips

FRIDAY RACING TIPS

Cheltenham 1.50 – Novices’ Chase

For a novices’ chase at Cheltenham to have just five runners is pretty disappointing and it’s pretty baffling that UK trainers are only responsible for one horse.

Path d’Oroux (10/11 fav) is probably the one to beat despite having not won in 10 attempts over fences.

He’s run some really good races in defeat, though, and Gavin Cromwell had an amazing time at this track last season.

This looks like a nice opportunity for Path d’Oroux to open his account over the bigger obstacles.

Megan’s Tip: Path d’Oroux WIN

Cheltenham 2.25 – Handicap Chase

This looks very competitive although I think Dancing On My Own (7/2) has a massive chance.

He’s two pounds higher than when winning this race last year but is versatile ground-wise and should go really well again.

The other one I like is Calico (5/1), who goes well fresh, loves this better ground and tends to save his best for Cheltenham.

Megan’s Tip: Dancing On My Own WIN; Calico EW

Cheltenham 3.00 – Grade 2 Novices’ Hurdle

It’s a small field for this Grade 2 but they look like a talented bunch.

Gale Mahler (4/6 fav) just keeps on winning and this looks the logical next step to see how high her ceiling is.

She was very impressive in Listed company at Galway last time and I don’t have any issues with her being the favourite.

Brave Knight (4/1) is another on a roll having won his last three over the summer. He’ll enjoy the decent ground and likes going left-handed.

I do think he can give the mare a test but I just wonder if Gale Mahler might be a bit classier and she gets the vote.

Megan’s Tip: Gale Mahler WIN

Cheltenham 3.35 – Amateur Jockeys’ Handicap Chase

Another very competitive event here – and BetMGM are paying five places on the race.

I thought Ceanndana (11/2) might just have the fitness edge over some of his rivals having been running recently. He’ll definitely enjoy the good ground and this trip will be more to his liking than the two miles he somehow won over last time.

There are two I like at prices. Firstly Landen Calling (14/1), who will likely be ridden prominently, stays this trip really well – a trait we know you always need at Cheltenham. Fergal O’Brien often does well at this time of year and his runner could go well at a nice price.

Wick Green (22/1) will be a massive price but has a visor applied for the first time and looking back through his form, the first-time connections put cheekpieces on him he won his first two starts.

That change of headgear could just spark a return and don’t forget he was third in this race last year off six pounds higher.

I wouldn’t be surprised if he ran much better than his price suggested.

Megan’s Tip: Ceanndana WIN, Landen Calling & Wick Green EW

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Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation

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