This weekend, Cheltenham Racecourse raises the curtain on the 2025/26 jump racing season with The Showcase on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th October. From novice hurdles to competitive handicap chases, the two-day meeting offers a first glimpse at the season’s most promising stars.
We’ve studied the entries and form to identify three selections that combine winning potential with solid value. Here are our top picks for The Showcase meeting at Prestbury Park.
King Of Kingsfield built for big handicap chase
King Of Kingsfield heads to Friday’s 16:20 handicap chase as a leading contender for Gordon Elliott, a trainer who consistently excels at early-season Cheltenham meetings. The gelding carries an 8lb penalty for a graded win but brings exceptional race fitness and jumping experience to this competitive assignment.
His fifth-place finish in the Champion Hurdle at the 2025 Festival demonstrates his class at the highest level. With four chase starts under his belt and three wins to his name, his proven ability over fences gives him a significant edge. The experience factor could prove decisive in what promises to be a closely-fought handicap.
King Of Kingsfield to win
@ 5/2
Traprain Law offers value from Scottish stable
Traprain Law makes the long journey south from Lucinda Russell’s Scottish yard for Saturday’s 15:35 handicap chase, and the effort suggests connections have targeted this race specifically. The seven-year-old finished seventh in the Grand Annual at the Festival in March but now races 5lb lower in the handicap.
His recent second at Kelso provides ideal fitness preparation, and this assignment looks significantly easier than the Festival contest he contested in spring. Russell and jockey Michael Scudamore rarely make the trip to Cheltenham without purpose, making Traprain Law an intriguing each-way proposition at appealing odds.
Traprain Law each-way
@ 9/1
Give It To Me Oj primed for Masterson Hurdle
Give It To Me Oj looks to have been found an excellent season-starting opportunity in Saturday’s 15:30 Masterson Hurdle. The race carries strong prize money but has attracted a disappointing field, presenting a golden chance for a horse with his credentials.
His consistency last season included two victories at Cheltenham and runner-up finishes in competitive contests elsewhere. Returning on a similar handicap mark to his best form, he possesses the class advantage to dominate what appears a modest renewal by this venue’s exacting standards.
Give It To Me Oj to win
@ 11/8
