Henderson star is festival fancy

Nicky Henderson believes All Star could be his best chance of winning one of the ultra-competitive handicaps at the Cheltenham Festival.

The UK handler has an enviable record in the Festival handicaps with Greenhope in the Grand Annual and Non So in the Racing Post Plate adding to his tally last year.

Although Greenhope bids for back-to-back wins in the race run in honour of Henderson’s father, Johnny, All Star has been nominated as the pick of the handicap team.

“Greenhope will be returning to battle in the same race but I have a sneaky feeling All Star could run very well in the Jewson (Novices’ Handicap Chase),” said Henderson.

“He won well at Ascot the first time and I then just had to rush his preparation a little bit.

“He’s a sound sort of horse that will be competitive in a race like this,” he told At The Races.

All Star is a 20-1 chance with Blue Square for the Jewson Novices’ Chase.