A competitive renewal of this valuable Class 2 handicap chase, drawing a 16-strong field of seasoned stayers. The race has often favoured solid, race-fit types, with 6 of the last 7 winners aged 7–9 and carrying 10-0 to 11-3. With drying ground and a weak pace forecast, tactical positioning could prove critical.

---

🔵 Strongest Contenders

COCO MADEMOISELLE (IRE) (Timeform Adjusted Rating: 158)
Dan Skelton’s mare is on a sharp upward curve and looked a natural stayer when readily landing a Perth handicap over this trip last time. She travelled strongly under restraint and quickened clear with ease, suggesting there’s more to come despite a 7 lb rise. This will be her first big-field chase, but she’s thriving and well placed pace-wise. Skelton (trainer) and Harry Skelton (jockey) boast strong summer strike-rates and are operating at around 25% at Uttoxeter.

DESTROYTHEEVIDENCE (TFR: 157)
A consistent sort who has improved for fences. He shaped better than the result last time at Ludlow (lost a shoe and outpaced before rallying) and looks well suited to the forecast slow pace. Has a handy 11-3 mark and should be prominent throughout. His profile is progressive, and he has shown strong late energy in several runs this term.

---

🟠 Main Dangers

VINTAGE FIZZ (TFR: 154)
Returned with a solid third behind Riskintheground at Ayr – the same race where Will Carver ran second – and has scope from a light mark. He acts fresh and may improve again now stepping up in trip. He races prominently, which is a plus here, though his win record isn’t convincing.

WILL CARVER (IRE) (TFR: 153)
Also ran well behind Riskintheground at Ayr, finding only one too strong. Nicky Henderson isn’t known for big-field staying handicaps, but this gelding retains ability and stays the trip. He’s been lightly raced and has had a breathing operation – worth monitoring in the betting, particularly with just 22 days off.

THEFORMISMIGHTY (TFR: 153)
Dan Skelton’s second runner comes here on the back of a decent third in a novice handicap at Ayr. Has a touch of class and remains well treated on some earlier chase form. The Skelton yard has won big-field summer chases with similar profiles and his recent consistency puts him in the mix.

---

🟡 Interesting Outsiders / EW Angles (16 Runners)

HURRICANE BAY (TFR: 153)
Returned to form when easily beating The Wolf at Huntingdon. Travels prominently and is flagged in Timeform’s comments as one who may trade shorter in-running, given his racing style and the likely soft tempo. Could be dangerous if getting a clear lead, and looks on the upgrade.

PULL AGAIN GREEN (IRE) (TFR: 155)
Fergal O’Brien’s gelding is consistent and has placed form in similar races this season. He tends to hang and has bled in the past, but is a solid stayer and races handily. With O’Brien operating at a 23% strike rate in summer, he’s a viable each-way player at double-figure odds.

SLIPWAY (IRE) (TFR: 152)
Returned to form earlier this spring and shaped okay behind The Doyen Chief last time. His best form gives him a chance, especially as he’s a proven stayer over marathon trips. 49-day break is on the edge – market support would be telling for Ben Pauling’s veteran.

---

⚠️ Market Watch / Fitness Question Marks

• NOCTE VOLATUS, GUARD YOUR DREAMS, and MORODER all return from 77+ day layoffs and have inconsistent profiles. Each has run in stronger races in the past, but given their time off and variable recent form, market strength or weakness will be crucial.
• MAGNA SAM and IDAS BOY also arrive on the back of poor efforts and long layoffs; both have stamina but carry serious trust issues.

---

📈 Key Trends

• 6 of the last 7 winners aged 7–9.
• 5 of the last 6 winners carried 11-3 or less.
• Winners often come off a top-three finish within the past 30 days.
• Dan Skelton, Tom Lacey, and Fergal O’Brien have all won this type of race in summer campaigns.

---

🔚 Summary

COCO MADEMOISELLE looks the standout on current form and Timeform ratings, and while she’s short enough, she sets a fair standard. DESTROYTHEEVIDENCE rates the most solid danger, especially with the pace angle suiting. VINTAGE FIZZ and WILL CARVER are solid types with each-way claims, while HURRICANE BAY could be the one to nick it if allowed to dictate.

For punters seeking each-way value, PULL AGAIN GREEN fits the bill as a reliable stayer with strong place credentials in a race that often rewards consistency over brilliance.