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

Off time: 13:45 | Winning time: 5m 13.21s

Star Of Affinity^t⁸¹

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

2/9

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

Where's Cato¹⁸

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

3/1

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

Non-Runners

Hors Jeu¹⁴

Weight: 11-5| Age: 6

T: C Boultbee-Brooks J: R Patrick

Forecasts

Star Of Affinity (2/9), Hors Jeu (11/8), Where's Cato (3/1)

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.