Cheltenham Tips: 10/1 chance heads Owen’s three for Friday’s card

Racing returns to Cheltenham on Friday, with the opening day of The Showcase Meeting. Seven races are scheduled between 13:15-16:45, on ground forecast to be 'good'.

I've come up with three Cheltenham tips for your consideration - including a 10/1 shot in what hopefully proves the lucky last.

14:25 - Triple Trade @ 6/1

This handicap chase over the minimum trip promises to be run at a fair clip. Matata knows only one way of racing and that's from the front, while Calico enjoys being prominent at least. Dancing On My Own is a lot more versatile, but he right among the pace when winning this last year.

The likely leaders could set it up for the likes of Joe Tizzard's TRIPLE TRADE.

The eight-year-old is more than happy to sit off the pace, as he did when runner-up to Dancing On My Own a year ago, and save his best for the business end of his races.

He's dropped to his last winning mark of 135 as a result of a few disappointing performances towards the end of last year, but he's extremely ground dependent and was perhaps feeling the effects of a long season, so I'm happy to forgive those efforts.

Tizzard has started the season in good nick, operating at a 19% strike rate in the past fortnight, and the booking of Harry Cobden is another positive, so he looks a good bet at 13/2.

Betfred are offering your stake back (up to £10) as a free bet if your selection in this race finishes 2nd.

16:10 - Minella Sixo @ 7/4

I'm very keen on Irish raider MINELLA SIXO for this 2m4f novices' hurdle.

Gordon Elliott's five-year-old fetched £115k after winning a PTP back in May, prior to hacking up on his rules debut at Fairyhouse earlier this month.

Doing all his best work late on - no surprise for a son of Shantou out of an Old Vic mare - the full-brother to Ben Brookhouse's useful bumper horse Brechin Castle drew eight lengths clear of his nine rivals.

The runner-up finished third and fourth, recording Racing Post Ratings of 114 and 108 respectively, in two runs either side of that, suggesting the form is relatively decent too.

I suspect Minella Sixo beat more than market rival Potters Charm did at Worcester last month, and given his makeup the selection ought to have a lot more to offer over this longer trip. It's also worth remembering that Elliott's have generally been coming on plenty for their first run.

16:45 - Jilaijone @ 10/1

Finally, a chance is taken on David Pipe's JILAIJONE in this conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle over an extended two miles.

This horse made good progress during the early months of last season, going on to finish second to Paul Nicholls' Blueking d'Oroux off level weights, despite the latter being rated 138 (20lbs superior) at the time. That rival went on to win a Grade 2 on his next start, rising to 148, and is regarded as a Stayers' Hurdle prospect this term.

The selection's third behind Gin Coco off 125 in a handicap at Ascot the following month is solid form too, but the wheels fell off from that point as he was pulled-up, beaten 26 lengths and just fifth of seven in his next three outings.

Just like my earlier fancy, Triple Trade, this one has a preference for good ground and given he was on the go from September last year, I'm offering up more forgiveness.

If he can recapture the form of his defeat to Blueking D'oroux, Jilaijone ought to be very dangerous off a much-reduced mark of 119 with conditions very much in his favour.

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