Coral Future Champions Finale Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1)

Off time: 13:35 | Winning time: 4m 8.80s

Mercenaire⁴¹

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: Lizzie Kelly| T: Nick Williams

6/1

Well held in a 2m hurdle at Compiegne (good-to-soft) on debut in April and got off the mark at the second attempt when winning at Exeter (2m1f, soft) in November. Led for most of the race on that occasion and is likely to run well again today.

Form: 8-1

Staff College³³

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: Aidan Coleman| T: H Spiller| OR: 110

200/1

Useful on the Flat and has been running respectably over hurdles but has plenty on his plate here against rivals who have already done it at a much higher level.

Form: 32

Sussex Ranger²⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: J E Moore| T: G & J Moore| OR: 137| D

3/1

Unbeaten in two outings over hurdles including when successful by 14L on good-to-soft ground at Sandown last time out. Had previously run out the impressive winner of a juvenile contest at Fontwell and one to note here. Engaged at Sandown Saturday.

Form: 11

We Have A Dream²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: D A Jacob| T: N J Henderson| OR: 143| D

10/11

Grade 2 winner at Doncaster last time out, making all in similar fashion to how he won at Warwick on Rules debut. Plenty more to come and yard could hardly be in better form but does have to prove he goes in what is likely to be bottomless ground.

Form: 5-4411

Famous Milly^t²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: R T Dunne| T: G P Cromwell

9/2

Beaten 15L by Mitchouka on debut at Punchestown but stepped up markedly on that form when winning a Listed fillies contest at Aintree (2m1f, heavy) last time out. Interesting runner today.

Form: 21

Forecasts

We Have A Dream (10/11), Sussex Ranger (3/1), Famous Milly (9/2), Mercenaire (6/1), Staff College (200/1)

Given that SUSSEX RANGER has won on soft ground before and made easy work of his latest assignment on good-to-soft, he's taken to get the better of the potentially top-class We Have A Dream, who needs to prove he goes in these conditions. Famous Milly gives the contest depth after a much improved performance at Aintree last time and can secure herself some prize money if returning in the same form.