Weatherbys Stallion Book Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 15:21 | Winning time: 4m 49.35s

Hallings Comet¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: M Goldstein| T: S Lycett| OR: 125| D

5/1

Has had the time of his life recently, rattling off the wins at Worcester and running just as well in a competitive race at Cheltenham, showing he's no one-trick pony. However, this ground will be as deep as he wants it and on that, others preferred

Form: 121114

Gabrial The Great^b1,t⁶⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: T Scudamore| T: D Pipe| OR: 125| D

6/1

Generally consistent, if hard to win with and seemed to throw away another winning opportunity at Southwell last time out. Up another 2lb for that, which doesn't make life easier, and this ground soft enough too.

Form: 5-53242

Sirop De Menthe²¹⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-11| J: Lucy Gardner⁽³⁾| T: Mrs S Gardner| OR: 124| CD

8/1

Now 4lb lower than winning on reappearance at Ffos Las last year, although that was over 2m6f and this shorter trip does seem a bare minimum for him. Ground ideal and clearly goes well fresh though, so warrants a second look here.

Form: 157P63-

Boyhood²³⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Adrian Heskin| T: T R George| OR: 123| D

15/8

Generally did well last year and although a little disappointing on final start, that did come after a break, so may have needed it. May not want the ground too deep, but will improve again this season. Others preferred today, though.

Form: 13/2214-

Away For Slates⁶⁰⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Bridget Andrews⁽³⁾| T: D Skelton| OR: 120| D

4/1

First run for Dan Skelton (formerly Keith Dalgleish), not seen for over 18 months but fitness, from this yard, unlikely to be an issue. Ground possibly a bit soft here too, and may not represent much in the way of value.

Form: 241P51/

Champagne George⁵⁹²

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: R Johnson| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 112| D

7/1

Another not seen for some time, his last run coming at Fontwell in April 2016, but looks fairly handicapped on what he's achieved so far. Ground fine, and likely to stay this far, but yard form still a bit in-and-out. Market the best guide.

Form: FB4131/

Molly Carew²⁴⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 10-13| J: Harry Reed⁽⁷⁾| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 112| C| D

16/1

Was an improving mare when last seen, winning back-to-back novices here at Lingfield and Sedgefield, both with plenty of cut in the ground. In on a fair mark here and chances if race fit after absence, with more improvement likely.

Form: 80611-

Forecasts

Boyhood (15/8), Away For Slates (4/1), Hallings Comet (5/1), Gabrial The Great (6/1), Champagne George (7/1), Sirop De Menthe (8/1), Molly Carew (16/1)

Not easy to solve, but with Hallings Comet likely to make this a good test, it might be worth chancing SIROP DE MENTHE who will need a solid gallop at this trip but is well handicapped enough, and clearly goes well fresh. He's taken to get the better of Molly Carew, who should continue to progress this season and is on a nice weight here, and Gabriel The Great, likely to run his race but seems to always find something too good for him.