Lily ready to break duck at Sedgefield

Leeswood Lily is waiting for a first win under rules and has a live chance to break her duck in the Sky Sports Racing Mares' Novices' Hurdle at Sedgefield.

Jennie Candlish's sevenyear-old has bags of experience in point-to-points and won her final start in that sphere before finishing third in a bumper over an extended two miles at this track on Boxing Day.

She looked to be crying out for a step up in trip, which she gets in this contest, and with a set of hurdles in front of her she looks well placed to get her head back in front.

The King Of May can bounce back from a lacklustre run last time out in the Sky Sports Racing Virgin 535 Chase.

The six-year-old failed to strike in three starts over hurdles for Brian Ellison in 2018 and was then off the track until October, when he was sent off an unconsidered 20-1 shot on his chasing bow.

The King Of May defied those odds though, over- coming a 554-day absence to prevail by half a length from Esprit Du Large, who subsequently gave the form a mighty boost when triumphing at Grade One level at Sandown before Christmas.

Upped 6lb for that run, The King Of May then edged up to slightly better company the following month, but emptied quickly that day, with the heavy ground at Newcastle possibly proving his undoing.

Ellison will surely be hoping conditions will be better at Sedgefield, with The King Of May certainly having plenty of ability on his day.

Later on the card, Ask Paddy may make it a hat-trick of wins in the Watch Sky Sports Racing In HD Handicap Chase.

A winner off a 6lb lower mark at Catterick earlier this month, the gelding returned to that venue on Wednesday and duly succeeded once again.

Trainer Sam England turns her charge out again quickly under a 7lb penalty, which looks to be shrewd placement in an effort to keep a step ahead of the handicapper.

At Fontwell, Itsonlyrocknroll can secure a second win onthebounceintheMansionBet Proud To Support British Racing Handicap Hurdle.

Previously trained by Willie Mullins, he made it eighth time lucky for Chris Gordon when securing a first hurdles win at Wincanton at the start of the month.

Having his first run since undergoing a wind operation, Itsonlyrocknroll travelled beautifully before asserting