Cheltenham Showcase 2022 Tips: Steve Ryder’s Top 10 Entries

Cheltenham returns today for the Showcase meeting and there are a few interesting entries to look forward to over two days of action, starting with the opening Handicap Hurdle.

DUFFLE COAT won his first four starts over hurdles including the Grade 2 Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle at Cheltenham in November 2020 and runs off top weight on Friday.

HANG IN THERE has won his previous four starts over fences by a total of 108 lengths and could further enhance his claims for the 2023 Cheltenham Festival if he were to win off a mark of 143 in the Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase.

COOLE CODY is better known for his exploits over fences including his victory in the Plate at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival but it is worth remembering that he finished a close 2nd in last year’s Handicap Hurdle. 

Today, he runs off a 6lb higher mark than last year but that mark is still 10lbs below his chase mark so he should still hold strong claims.

153 rated chaser SAINT PALAIS is declared in the opening Novice Hurdle on Saturday. His opposition will include Paul Nicholls trained SHEARER who won by 7 ½ lengths on his reappearance at Worcester earlier this month.

THE HOLLOW GINGE finished a close 2nd in the ‘What’s Your Thinking Handicap Chase’ last season off a mark of 137 and should hold strong claims off a 10lb lower mark this year.

The Masterson Holdings Hurdle is always a race that proves to be strong form going forward and this year’s contest looks set to be a rematch between PIED PIPER and KNIGHT SALUTE who fought out the finish of the Grade 1 Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree last season. 

EDITEUR DU GITE finished a close 4th in the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival last season and despite pulling up behind Fakir D’Oudairies in the Melling Chase, he is respected back in handicap company on Saturday. He faces the Laura Morgan trained CLEAR THE RUNWAY, who has won his previous four starts including on his reappearance.