Cheltenham Showcase Meeting 2026 Tips: @RoadCheltenham Picks Out 5 To Follow
While Chepstow is officially regarded as the start of the jumps season, there is no better feeling than returning to Prestbury Park after a long summer.
This year, the break between drinks was longer than anticipated after the April meeting was cancelled and it’ll be great to be back at Cheltenham to savour the atmosphere.
The Showcase Meeting at Cheltenham is always eagerly anticipated and National Hunt fans will be flocking to the track in their masses.
Here, I look at five standout runners to follow – both with a view to this weekend and for the season ahead, starting with an Irish raider in the opening chase on Friday afternoon.
Friday, 1.30pm – BOWENSONFIRE
Gordon Elliott has brought several horses over for this race in recent years, including the likes of Buddy Rich, Ash Tree Meadow and King Of Kingsfield and Relieved Of Duties last season.
The Cullentra House handler has previously used this race for a Grand Annual-type and I’d be inclined to think that BOWENSONFIRE will line up in that race in March. Given an official BHA mark of 143, there’s plenty of scope in that figure and he’s an intriguing one on Friday afternoon.
He’s the right favourite on all known form and I’ll be keeping a close eye on him. Jarrive De Mee drops right back in trip and has a point to prove after disappointing in two chase starts while Ice Jet is a potential improver but has plenty to find on official ratings.
Jack Kennedy comes over to take the ride and it’ll be fascinating to watch how the race develops. He’s definitely one that interests me for the spring so I can’t wait to see how he gets on.
Friday, 3.00pm – COOLTOBECARELESS
A winner at Chepstow this month, COOLTOBECARELESS looks a real prospect for novice hurdling and he can make hay before the weather turns. Dan Skelton has won this race in each of the previous two years and a third successive victory could be on the cards.
While Planters Punch brings a wealth of experience to the table, the Skelton runner is a five-year-old and he could just prove bigger and stronger than his market rival. In addition, Nicky Henderson has yet to really get going with his winter runners so they may be a tad behind.
I’m not sure how strong the race at Chepstow actually was but Cooltobecareless could hardly have been more impressive. With that run under his belt, he could be a tough nut to crack and he will take some pegging back if he hits the front coming down the hill.
There’s more substance to the form of Planters Punch but I’m inclined to take the Seven Barrows horses on at this time of year. Cooltobecareless could easily end up being one for a County Hurdle come the spring.
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Saturday, 2.20pm – IDAHO FIRE
The Pertemps qualifier is always a fascinating affair, with the likes of The Wallpark and Ma Shantou prevailing in recent times. IDAHO FIRE is an intriguing entry in this race and he would be my selection if he lines up – he’s currently priced at 12/1 with several firms and I could see him going off a lot shorter if declared.
He has thrived since switching from Paul Nicholls to James Owen, and Jonathan Burke has got a real tune out of him. He’s now off a mark of 119, so will need to improve once again but that isn’t beyond the realms of possibility.
Given he has an official BHA rating of 119, he will need to win a race at some point to get in the race and what better race to win than a qualifier? He should have no problem with the trip and I’d be hopeful that he can continue his upward trajectory.
As you’d expect with a Pertemps Final qualifier, it is a competitive enough field but I’d be hopeful that Idaho Fire can hold his own in a race like this.
Saturday, 3.30pm – NORTH SHORE
It looks like NORTH SHORE will be the sole representative for the Skelton yard in the Masterson Holdings Hurdle on Saturday and he should come on leaps and bounds for his seasonal reappearance at Chepstow.
He ran well for a long way before seemingly taking a blow, running on again after the last hurdle to finish fourth. This son of The Grey Gatsby has some solid juvenile form from last year and he ran well for a long way in the 2026 Triumph Hurdle – so he should have no problem handling Cheltenham.
Currently rated 135 but in receipt of weight from a couple of his rivals, the conditions of the race should suit him and he appears versatile with regards to ground. There’s a lot to like and hopefully he can get the job done on Saturday afternoon.
This race cut up massively last year but it could be competitive enough this time around and the 6/1 currently available on North Shore looks reasonable. If Harry takes the ride, then it would be a big shock if he’s that price come the off.
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Saturday, 4.05pm – DERRYHASSEN PADDY
Last but not least, we have a horse who needs no introduction. DERRYHASSEN PADDY had a lofty enough reputation after an impressive novice hurdle season but suffered a season-ending injury after his chase debut at Ayr last November.
Touted as a potential Brown Advisory horse, it’ll be interesting to see how tuned up he is for Saturday’s debut. Connections have suggested that he is an intended runner this weekend but he’ll likely need some cut in the ground, so hopefully the rain falls at Prestbury Park.
Given Sixmilebridge went on to win a Grade 1 as a novice last term, Derryhassen Paddy should not be dismissed as we enter the new season. With a clear run and some astute race planning, he could pick up some nice prizes throughout the campaign.
For me, I’m inclined to think he may fall just short of Grade 1 class but he could easily end up being one for the Ultima Handicap Chase. It may seem ‘obvious’ given the yard’s success in the race, but he does look tailor-made for it.
