How to make it pay at the Showcase: Graeme Rodway on what to learn from the past
This two-day fixture was transferred from its traditional midweek slot in 2007 and this year will be the 15th time the October feature is held at the weekend as the Showcase meeting.
The name is fitting because these two days are an hors d'oeuvres, a small glimpse of what is to come for the season ahead, and it's important to remember the meeting is just that. This isn't the main course and most trainers will use it as preparation for the feast that is to come.
We can see that by examining the horses who have competed at The Showcase in the last 14 years. Since the start of 2007, there have been a total of 2,085 runners at Cheltenham's October opener and 774 were returning (37 per cent) from at least 150 days off the course.
Read the full story
Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.
Subscribe to unlock
- Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
- Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
- Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
- Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
- Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
- Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Already a subscriber?Log in
Published on inPreviews
Last updated
Copy- Crowds expected to flock to Windsor as jump racing returns to Thameside venue for the first time since 2005
- 12.45 Windsor: 'I did well there in the past' - Alan King optimistic with Helnwein as jump racing returns
- 2.55 Navan: Potters Party a big player with track, trip and ground all set to suit in competitive handicap chase
- The next Samcro or Sir Gerhard could be on show at Navan and trainers out to create history at Windsor
- 1.55 Windsor: How big a threat is this unexposed Venetia Williams chaser? Analysis and trainer quotes for staying handicap
- Crowds expected to flock to Windsor as jump racing returns to Thameside venue for the first time since 2005
- 12.45 Windsor: 'I did well there in the past' - Alan King optimistic with Helnwein as jump racing returns
- 2.55 Navan: Potters Party a big player with track, trip and ground all set to suit in competitive handicap chase
- The next Samcro or Sir Gerhard could be on show at Navan and trainers out to create history at Windsor
- 1.55 Windsor: How big a threat is this unexposed Venetia Williams chaser? Analysis and trainer quotes for staying handicap