Read Silvestre De Sousa's Exclusive Blog starsportsbet.co.uk Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:15 | Winning time: 4m 28.7s

No No Cardinal^p¹⁷

Age: 10| Weight: 11-13| J: Theo Gillard⁽⁷⁾| T: Mark Gillard| OR: 106| CD

5/1

In fine form this year with his latest C&D win last month, completing a four-timer. Stayed on strongly in what was a career best and now up another 10lb. More needed again off new mark but hard to rule out in his current mood.

Form: 421-111

Pointed And Sharp^t¹¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: M G Nolan| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 105

4/6

Failed to complete in his first three efforts over the larger obstacles but much improved when second over 2m0.5f at Worcester recently. Suited by this extra test of stamina and should have more to offer now.

Form: 8F-32P2

Centreofexcellence^t²⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 10-10| J: Max Kendrick⁽⁵⁾| T: S Flook| OR: 89

6/1

Remains 2lb higher than Hereford win last November but has been disappointing in three starts this year having twice been pulled up and then tailed off last month. Remains best watched until signs of a revival.

Form: 121-PP0

Thomas Blossom^t²²

Age: 9| Weight: 10-10| J: Liam Harrison⁽⁷⁾| T: R C Harper| OR: 89

9/2

Finished with back-to-back wins last year but had been very disappointing for his new yard until a back to form second last time. Finished strongly and suited by extra furlong. Very well handicapped at 10lb below last win.

Form: P-P9892

Houseparty^b1,t⁹⁸

Age: 11| Weight: 10-0| J: Tabitha Worsley⁽⁵⁾| T: G Howell| OR: 69| CD

33/1

Returned to former yard following an absence since September 2017 when beaten 71L over hurdles in June. Suited by return to fences but hard to fancy from 8lb out of the handicap.

Form: 32P25/5

Forecasts

Pointed And Sharp (4/6), Thomas Blossom (9/2), No No Cardinal (5/1), Centreofexcellence (6/1), Houseparty (33/1)

No No Cardinal is moving sharply up in the handicap but in his current form, he's likely to go close in a bid for a five-timer. Things finally clicked for Pointed And Sharp over fences last start and he should also be involved if building on the performance. THOMAS BLOSSOM had also been struggling until a much improved effort at Market Rasen and he's really attractively weighted at present.