Inside Tomorrow’s Card — Cheltenham Showcase (Saturday, 25 October 2025)

Day 2 of the October Meeting tends to separate the merely fit from the genuinely ready. With the ground posted Good to Soft and a proper, competitive seven-race card, tomorrow looks tailor-made for disciplined plays rather than scatter-guns. Expect tactical nous to matter every bit as much as raw ability across trips from two miles up to the staying chases.

1.10 – Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (2m4f)

We open with a depthy novice handicap where efficient jumping and a measured tempo usually win the day. Crest Of Fortune makes plenty of sense if reproducing his slick hurdle rhythm over fences, while Innox Allen brings a profile many judges like at this stage of the season. The market has also warmed to Double Powerful as a lively type if he confirms his schooling at pace. Shortlist: Crest Of Fortune / Innox Allen (with Double Powerful as the danger).

1.45 – Novices’ Hurdle (3m)

This can be a war of attrition for inexperienced stayers. Minella Supreme has been put up in a few places and looks the right shape: uncomplicated, stays well, and is likely to travel sweetly on this ground. If they crawl early, he still has the turn of foot to assert late; if they go a stride too hard, his stamina reserves are an asset.

2.20 – William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Chase (3m1f)

Big field, proper test, and the first place where the meeting can swing. Cases can be made all over, but there’s a growing chorus around Hyland as a chaser to keep on side now the emphasis returns to rhythm and a softer surface; Transmission is another with handicapping headroom if jumping holds up. Race shape: prominent racers rarely get away with murder here—look for a strong traveller who finds under pressure.

2.55 – Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier, 3m)

Qualifiers can be cagey, but the hill doesn’t lie. Long Draw is popular with previewers and fits the Pertemps profile—stays, handles an even tempo, and keeps finding under a drive. Quantum Quest has been flagged each-way at prices and makes sense as a grinder who won’t mind if this turns into a dour test up the straight.

3.30 – Masterson Holdings Hurdle (2m, 4yo)

A sharp two-mile test for four-year-olds that often rewards accuracy. Give It To Me OJ has the momentum (five wins in his last six) and the attitude you want for this track; he travels, he sees it out, and he’s versatile tactically. If they dawdle, he can quicken; if they blast, he can absorb it. Rock-solid.

4.05 – Novices’ Chase (3m1f)

Proper jumping test for the future stayers. Intense Approach has been a repeated mention and looks tailor-made for this: neat through his fences and the engine to sustain a long run from the top of the hill. Anyway is the rival with raw upside—scopey, strong, and the type to tighten up with every fence he meets. Small preference: Intense Approach.

4.40 – Open NH Flat Race (Bumper, 2m½f)

As ever with the closing bumper, read the paddock and the market late. On paper, Le Beau Madrik shapes like a likely type to travel and finish, and the yard tends to target something forward for this weekend. Don’t over-complicate—class often outs in this finale.

Saturday’s Picks Recap — Cheltenham (Day 2)

1:10 – Crest Of Fortune / Innox Allen
1:45 – Minella Supreme
2:20 – Hyland (alt: Transmission)
2:55 – Long Draw (e/w Quantum Quest)
3:30 – Give It To Me OJ
4:05 – Intense Approach (alt: Anyway)
4:40 – Le Beau Madrik