Mike Edwards is backing his near neighbour Fergal O’Brien to kick-start the new jump racing season at Cheltenham with a winner.

The two-day Showcase Meeting gets under way today and Edwards believes that Guiting Power-based O’Brien can win the opening race at 2pm – the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle – with Grageelagh Girl over two miles, five furlongs.

Owned by Chris Coley’s Yes No Wait Sorries partnership, Edwards said of his tip: “A smart bumper performer last season and also twice successful over hurdles, will appreciate the longer trip.”

Edwards’ NAP selection is Lil Rockerfeller in the ‘Matchbook Time To Move Over’ Novices’ Chase at 3.45pm. Trained by Neil King, Edwards said: “Won impressively in recent first attempt over fences.”

Edwards is backing Sister Sibyl in the Squareintheair.com Novices’ Chase at 2.35pm – “An easy winner over this course in April,” said Edwards – and Cornish Warrior in the penultimate race at 4.55pm – “In top form, won two of last three races,” added Edwards.

Storm Rising is Edwards’ tip to win the final race at 5.30pm: “Won a big handicap hurdle at the Galway Festival when trained in Ireland, transferred to Dr Richard Newland’s yard, promising addition, well fancied.”

And he’s tipping Sebastopol in the 4.20pm, saying: “Won impressively in only point to point race, followed up with a win in a strong Ayr Bumper.”

Mike Edwards’ top tips

2pm – Grageelagh Girl

2.35pm – Sister Sibyl

3.10pm – First Assignment

3.45pm – Lil Rockerfeller NAP

4.20pm – Sebastopol

4.55pm – Cornish Warrior

5.30pm – Storm Rising