Sleekstone Private Clients Novices' Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 19:33 | Winning time: 5m 34.5s

Doncesar De Pretot^t¹³

Age: 9| Weight: 12-0| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 114

11/4

Showed that all his ability remains on stable/handicap debut when second at Fakenham (20f) in March. Made the most of good opportunity to get off the mark in a Worcester novice (23f) 13 days ago.

Form: 24U/2-41

Sister Michael^t²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: P J Brennan| T: F O'Brien| OR: 106

15/8

Left opening hurdles run well behind when second of 6 in a C&D maiden in April and duly went one better at Southwell next time. Remains open to progress and can make a winning handicap debut.

Form: 4/602-1

Ben Lilly^b⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: T Scudamore| T: D Pipe| OR: 106

3/1

Useful 7-time Flat winner for David Brown. Stepped up on hurdles debut when fourth in Newbury novice in January and back on track when second in maiden at Newton Abbot (21.6f) 8 days ago. Respected.

Form: 449-32

Loved Out⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 10-7| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 93

7/2

Runner-up in novice hurdles first 2 starts for new yard but struggled in handicaps next 3 outings. Having dropped in the weights, fared better here both runs in May, finishing third 5 days ago (20f).

Form: 2777-43

Forecasts

Sister Michael (15/8), Doncesar De Pretot (11/4), Ben Lilly (3/1), Loved Out (7/2)

SISTER MICHAEL has been getting the hang of things over hurdles and can make a successful handicap debut. The 6-y-o still made mistakes though when opening his account at the third attempt last month, so he remains open to progress, especially if brushing up his jumping. He can get the better of the useful Flat performer Ben Lilly, with Loved Out completing the shortlist having finished third here 5 days ago.