‘John McConnell is one to watch’ – 25/1, 18/1 and 16/1 ITV Outsiders on Friday

There is no better sight for National Hunt racing fans than seeing Cheltenham fixtures back on the menu. The Gloucestershire track’s season opener is the two-day Showcase Meeting, which starts on Friday. Cheltenham’s first five races are joined by three from Doncaster on the ITV schedule so we’ve got another selection of outsiders to follow. Irish raider John McConnell could be worth keeping an eye out for and he has a 25/1 shot who shouldn’t be quickly dismissed. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

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1.15 Cheltenham

Montecam (25/1, bet365) won once over hurdles for Nicky Henderson and returned to form with a solid second at Bellewstown in August. The form of that race has worked out well and trainer John McConnell often targets this meeting, which makes him one to watch. Alex Harvey takes 3lb off and he’s capable of outrunning his price here.

2.25 Cheltenham

Diamond Tipp (16/1, bet365) also represents the John McConnell yard and she remains thoroughly unexposed over hurdles, after just three starts. She won a Downpatrick maiden hurdle in good style over the summer and has shown signs of improvement in the second of two handicap starts since. There should be plenty more to come from this mare.

3.18 Doncaster

Rhoscolyn (18/1, bet365) is one horse who won’t be getting stuck in the mud. David O’Meara’s seven-year-old has two wins and two seconds to his name in just five starts on heavy ground, so he’s well equipped to cope with the conditions. He won the Golden Mile off this mark back in August and should be returning to form sooner rather than later.

If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.

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Place a min £10 bet on Sportsbook on odds of min EVS (2.0), get £50 in Free Bet Builders, Accumulators or multiples to use on any sport. Rewards valid for 30 days. Only deposits via cards or Apple Pay will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly.