Horse racing tips: Cheltenham Showcase day two predictions

Cheltenham is one of the feature meetings on Saturday. It is day two of the Showcase at the Gloucestershire racecourse where there are likely to be early clues for the Cheltenham Festival next in March.

The card is scheduled for 1.15pm to 4.45pm and we have selections for all seven races.

Cheltenham Showcase day two tips

Connor Whitley has recommendations for all seven races from Cheltenham. You can read the analysis behind his selections below.

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

HADDEX DES OBEAUX ended last season with back-to-back victories over fences at Doncaster (2m ½f) and Warwick (2m) respectively. The latter came on heavy ground where he blew his rivals away by 19 lengths. This is his first run back since suffering an injury, but he should be able to pick up where he left off with further improvement to defy his rise in the ratings.

Selection: Haddex Des Obeaux @ 3/1 with Betfred

1.50, Cheltenham – Masterson Holdings Hurdle (2m ½f)

In what was an impressive novice hurdle campaign, SPIRIT D’AUNOU won four of his five races last season. He brought up his fourth consecutive win when he scored at Chepstow (2m) back in April. Gary Moore’s runner triumphed by just over six lengths, but the margin could have been far wider had Niall Houlihan not eased his mount up towards the finish. There looks set to be much more to come from the four-year-old hurdler.

Selection: Spirit D’Aunou @ 7/4 with Betfred

2.25, Cheltenham – Epic Jumps Season At William Hill Handicap Chase (3m 1f)

LORD ACCORD won this race 12 months ago off 131 and returns here from a mark of just 1lb higher. Neil Mulholland’s gelding was not at his best at Warwick (2m 5f) on his seasonal reappearance over hurdles earlier this month, but that will have sharpened him up for this assignment. He can have more success at this meeting.

Selection: Lord Accord @ 4/1 with Betfred

3.00, Cheltenham – Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (3m)

Willie Mullins makes the trip across the Irish Sea with WE’LLHAVEWAN as he bids to successfully follow up from his victory at Killarney (2m 6½f). The eight-year-old could improve further for this step up to 3m. The Irish trainer does not send many horses over for this meeting so he must be confident of a big run from his hurdler, who has Paul Townend in the saddle. 

Selection: We’llhavewan @ 15/2 with Betfred

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

ANTRIM COAST broke his maiden at the third attempt when scoring at Punchestown (2m 4f) earlier this month. Gavin Cromwell’s charge ran on strongly to beat 18 other rivals. The five-year-old is likely to relish this step up to 3m, so expect to see a big performance.

Selection: Antrim Coast @ SP with Betfred

4.10, Cheltenham – William Hill Lengthen Your Odds Novices’ Chase (3m ½f)

Two-time Stayers’ Hurdle winner FLOORING PORTER makes his seasonal reappearance this year at the scene of his Championship success. He is tackling fences for the first time in his career, and this is a good starting point for him. This horse is rated at 156 over fences so if he can transfer anything close to his best into chasing, he should be able to prevail comfortably in this novice contest.

Selection: Flooring Porter @ SP with Betfred

4.45, Cheltenham – Cheltenham & South West Racing Club Open National Hunt Flat Race (2m ½f)

CATCH YOURSELF ON is a Noble Mission gelding who is making his debut for Willie Mullins. It is very striking that the Irishman has chosen this race for him to make his first start. He has some serious talent in his year and this could be his best bumper horse this season.

Selection: Catch Yourself On @ SP with Betfred