Your Cheltenham Guide At attheraces.com/cheltenham Novices' Chase

Off time: 14:00 | Winning time: 5m 42.6s

Bonnet's Vino¹⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: Miss Gina Andrews⁽³⁾| T: Mrs P Sly| OR: 108

22/1

In good form at a lower level recently, winning a handicap hurdle at Market Rasen (showed a good attitude) and then a handicap chase here, but that was a weak affair and overall form suggests she will struggle against higher rated rivals, despite a good record at the track (4221).

Form: 3B74-13

Mr Mix²⁷

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: P F Nicholls

1/1

Lightly raced over the last few years and highly tried when he does race, taking in Class 1 events at Chepstow last October (made favourite) and then last time out at Sandown when tried in cheekpieces (never travelled, pulled up). Won a handicap hurdle at Wincanton in-between those efforts, but still difficult to know what to expect on chase debut today.

Form: F/51PU0-

Prince Of Steal¹¹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: James Banks| T: H J Evans| OR: 132

10/1

May not be entirely straightforward (has flashed his tail in the past) but that didn't stop him winning back-to-back hurdles here in 2015/2016. Clearly has an affinity for the track and ran with some promise on only chase start (again at Fakenham) last November, falling at the last after a bold effort from the front. Poor effort latest, but earlier form gives him a chance back at his favourite track.

Form: 1/3115-F

Omessa Has^t⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 10-3| J: D A Jacob| T: N J Henderson

5/4

Only made three starts for leading trainer and whilst first two left plenty to be desired, did much better on latest start when fifth in a good quality handicap hurdle at Kempton. He travelled well in a first time tongue tie although finishing effort still left a bit to be desired. British chase debut today (had raced twice over fences in France) and may be best watched.

Form: 43369-5

Non-Runners

Zeroeshadesofgrey⁵

Weight: 11-5| Age: 8

T: N B King J: T E Whelan

Forecasts

Mr Mix (1/1), Omessa Has (5/4), Zeroeshadesofgrey (5/2), Prince Of Steal (10/1), Bonnet's Vino (22/1)

All five runners have some positives about them, but Bonnet's Vino looks a bit outclassed and Omessa Has is best watched at present. The form shown by ZEROSHADESOFGREY over fences is good enough to win this and it's worth forgiving him a poor effort last time out. He could have a bright future at the chasing game and can continue his progression here. Prince Of Steal might have his own ideas about things but is unexposed over fences and might yet do better back at a track he likes, and Mr Mix , if jumping proficiently, can get himself into the frame. 1. Zeroeshadesofgrey 2. Prince Of Steal 3. Mr Mix