23 Oct: Cheltenham – The Showcase

14:10 Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle

Exxaro is bidding for a hat trick here having won at Tipperary and Killarney. He beat Sandymount Duke by over ten lengths at Killarney and although Sandymount Duke is six pounds better off here, it is hard to see the tables being turned.

Penglai Pavilion was good enough on the flat to finish fifth in the Prox de L'Arc de Triomphe so he obviously had plenty of speed. He has won his first two hurdle races as easily as he liked and there appears to be plenty more to come from him although this is a big step up in class. He is as low as 20/1 in some places for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and I think he will take all the beating here today.

14:45 squareintheair.com Novices' Chase

Qewy was rated 142 over hurdles and finished fifth in last season's Supreme Novices' Hurdle. It has to be assumed he has taken to fences well at home and if so, he will be very hard to stop here today and can complete an early double for John Ferguson and Aiden Coleman.

Dormello Mo for Paul Nicholls looks a solid enough chaser and has already won three times over the fences to give him a rating of 147. If he can put in a performance he could give the selection plenty to think about, however, I think Qewy will have too much pace for these and run away with it.

15:20 Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle

This is a wide open race of just under three miles and a case can be made for three quarters of the field.

A chance is taken on Evan Williams's Dark Spirit. She hasn't run since she was a respectable seven of fifteen in the Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham in March but she won in October last year after a year off the course so goes well fresh. She has claimer Lewis Gordon on board who takes off ten pounds which could prove vital and I think she has an excellent chance of making the frame.

15:55 Ryman Stationery Cheltenham Business Club Novices' Chase

Shantou Flyer appears to be heading in the right direction over fences having won two of his three races so far and if he can continue his progression here at a nice price.

Vintage Vinnie is a big danger as he won last time out at Worcester in decisive fashion on his chasing debut and looks certain to be involved at the business end of proceedings.

16:30 Bet And Watch At winner.co.uk Maiden Hurdle

Drumlee Sunset is a horse I really liked the look of last year when scoring at Exeter for Philip Hobbs. Richard Johnson was also the jockey that day and they won by a very easy four and a half lengths although he ran extremely green that day. This son of Royal Anthem cost £130,000 last year and looks sure to have a top career all things being well.

17:05 winner.co.uk Amateur Riders' Handicap Chase

There's quite a big field for this three mile handicap chase and it's an open race. Katie Do was favourite to complete a four timer last time out at Sligo but was brought down at the first. This is a step up in class but she still looks to be going in the right direction so as long as last month's fall hasn't spooked her too badly I can see her making the frame here.

17:40 Harrison James & Hardie Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle

This is a race I don't big opinion on but Savello for Dan Skelton is at the top of the handicap and is a horse that I like. He ran off of 154 in his last race which was a chase so comes in here 15 pounds better off and if taking back to hurdles well, should run a big race.

Today's Selections

14:10 Penglai Pavilion - 1 point @ 7/4 (Skybet, Betvictor)

14:45 Qewy - 1 point @ 2/1 (Most firms)

15:20 Dark Spirit - 1/2 a point each way @ 15/2 (Skybet)

15:55 Shantou Flyer - 1/2 a point each way @ 14/1 (Bet365, Skybet)

16:30 Drumlee Sunset - 2 point @ 11/8 (Paddy Power)

17:05 Katie Do - 1/2 point each way @ 13/2 (Most firms)

17:40 Savello - 1 point @ 9/2 (Bet365, Betfred)