Sky Bet Extra Places Every Day Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:15 | Winning time: 4m 2.98s

Funambule Sivola²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 152| D

5/4

Took really well to chasing last term when a 4-time winner, and back with promising second in 20f Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon. Easy to forgive Cheltenham run and should go well back at 2m.

Form: 2112-29

Before Midnight³²

Age: 9| Weight: 11-8| J: James Bowen| T: S Thomas| OR: 148| D

7/2

Showed himself to be still on the up over fences when completing a four-timer in 2m handicap at Ascot. Outclassed in Grade 2 at Kempton since but should be much more competitive in this.

Form: 211-114

The Big Bite⁵⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-4| J: B S Hughes| T: Henry Oliver| OR: 144| C| D

12/1

Winning start for this yard on return at Aintree last term and followed that with a couple of creditable efforts in defeat. Well held last 3 starts, however, including this season. Yard remain quiet.

Form: 1236-UP

King D'Argent⁶²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 140| D

14/1

Highly progressive over fences last term, notching his third victory in this sphere at Warwick in March. Kelso reappearance third was respectable but well held both starts since.

Form: 112-359

Fransham¹³

Age: 8| Weight: 10-13| J: Jack Andrews⁽⁵⁾| T: Mrs P Sly| OR: 139| BF| D

9/1

Useful hurdler who quickly matched that level over fences when readily scoring at Wetherby in November. Held form since though his finishing effort was a little underwhelming when third there latest.

Form: 7F-41U3

Moonlighter²⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: T Scudamore| T: Nick Williams| OR: 138| D

6/1

Benefited from an attacking ride when successful at Sandown a year ago. Back to form when third there earlier this month, albeit finding little again. On a good mark if building on that.

Form: 51P-P53

Gold Des Bois^t²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 10-2| J: C O'Farrell| T: I Jardine| OR: 128| D

14/1

Hurdles/chase winner in Ireland who filled the runner-up spot for the fourth outing in succession at Musselburgh. Running creditably when unseated there on New Year's Day. Current mark sums him up.

Form: 72222U

Forecasts

Funambule Sivola (5/4), Before Midnight (7/2), Moonlighter (6/1), Fransham (9/1), The Big Bite (12/1), Gold Des Bois (14/1), King D'Argent (14/1)

FUNAMBULE SIVOLA shaped much better than the bare result at Cheltenham last time and the drop back to 2m should be in his favour judged on his strong-travelling second in the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon on return. He's preferred to Moonlighter, who took a step back in the right direction when third at Sandown and is now 6 lb below his last winning mark.