Star Sports Cheltenham Preview Panel Novices' Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

5YO plus | Class 4 | 2m 3f 166y | 3 Runners | Turf

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 111

Built for chasing and made an encouraging start over fences when fourth at Chepstow in November. Ran up to the pick of his hurdles form when runner-up at Wincanton (15.7f) a fortnight later and this step back up in trip promises to suit returning from a break.

Form: 1135-42

Hors Jeu^t¹⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: R Patrick| T: C Boultbee-Brooks| OR: 106

13/8

Getting his act together over fences and nearly won at Hereford (16f) a fortnight ago, edged out on the line and pulling a long way clear with the winner. Nudged up 3 lb for that near miss and provided he gets the trip, he's fancied to make amends.

Form: P97-4U2

Where's Cato¹⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Conor Ring| T: Evan Williams| OR: 103

10/3

Winning pointer with an all-or-nothing record, springing a surprise on chase/handicap debut in 4-runner event at Huntingdon (20/1) 18 days ago, hanging left in the run-in. That form doesn't have much substance and she's worth taking on here.

Form: 42-5101

Forecasts

Hors Jeu (11/8), Star Of Affinity (15/8), Where's Cato (9/4)

Cases can be made for each of the trio but the most persuasive is for HORS JEU, who is getting his act together over fences and pulled a long way clear with the winner when narrowly denied at Hereford a fortnight ago. He can make amends at the expense of Star of Affinity, who ran up to the pick of his hurdles form at Wincanton in November and should have more to offer in this discipline.