John Sillett Memorial Handicap Chase

Off time: 17:06 | Winning time: 6m 5.65s

Coo Star Sivola⁴²

Age: 11| Weight: 12-0| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 115| C| D

9/1

Won the Ultima at Cheltenham in 2018 and some useful efforts for Nick Williams in 2020/21. Hasn't looked the force of old since returning from lengthy absence for new yard this campaign, however.

Form: 02/505P

Northern Poet¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-11| J: James Davies| T: N J Gifford| OR: 112

5/2

Bumper/hurdles winner who has improved a little to land 2 of his 3 starts over fences, seeing off a sustained challenge from the runner-up for the latest of them at Plumpton (25.7f) 18 days ago. Possibilities in hat-trick bid from 2 lb higher mark.

Form: 2/1P411

Daranova^p⁴⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-11| J: K Brogan| T: G Hanmer| OR: 112| D

11/2

Did well upon joining new yard, winning a couple of 3m Bangor handicap chases and second to a well-treated sort at Uttoxeter (26f) in June. Shaped as if retaining all his ability before being derailed by a bad stumble on return here (29f) in March and better expected now.

Form: 2U-112P

Eclair De Guye^b¹⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-11| J: Bryony Frost| T: L Wadham| OR: 112| D

9/2

Good form in regional Nationals around the turn of the year and perked up by application of first-time blinkers when runner-up at Market Rasen (23.8f) 18 days ago. Headgear needs to have desired effect once more here.

Form: 342P52

Henschke^t¹⁶

Age: 9| Weight: 11-5| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: W Greatrex| OR: 106

10/1

Good start over fences following a second wind op when runner-up at Hereford in January and went one better over 21f at Ffos Las later that month. Has failed to complete all 3 starts since though, soon off bridle and beaten long way out at Exeter (24.2f) 16 days ago.

Form: 521PFP

Who's In The Box^p¹⁸

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: Charlie Hammond| T: N Kent| OR: 103| D

8/1

Snapped a long losing run with cheekpieces refitted at Carlisle (24.5f) in February and dispelled a poor effort when third at Market Rasen (23.8f) earlier this month. May find a couple too good again here, though.

Form: FP91P3

Pottlerath^p,t²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 10-13| J: Stan Sheppard| T: M Sheppard| OR: 100| C

4/1

Successful 3 times over hurdles during 2022 including over 26f here and even better form when runner-up on 3 of last 4 starts in that sphere. Fairly low-key start over larger obstacles more recently but the assessor is relinquishing his grip at least.

Form: 222P45

Forecasts

Northern Poet (5/2), Pottlerath (4/1), Eclair De Guye (9/2), Daranova (11/2), Who's In The Box (8/1), Coo Star Sivola (9/1), Henschke (10/1)

A number arrive with something to prove but that can't be said for NORTHERN POET who saw off a sustained late challenge to double his career tally in this sphere at Plumpton recently and a mere 2 lb rise should see him go well again in his hat-trick bid. Daranova, with a reappearance run under his belt, and Eclair de Guye head up the dangers.