1. Pipers Cross (IRE): Pipers Cross demonstrated significant improvement in her second handicap race, finishing third at Hexham (23.3f, heavy) just under a fortnight ago. She was left with too much to do in that race but still managed to pass seven rivals from two out and ended up never nearer. Racing off the same mark in this event, Pipers Cross has a strong chance of being in contention for the win.
2. Something Golden (IRE): Something Golden has shown promise in recent handicap races and appears to be well-suited for the longer distance of this race. With creditable efforts in his recent races and potential for further improvement, Something Golden stands as a solid contender in this event and should not be overlooked.
3. Howzat Hiris (FR): Howzat Hiris has been competitive on occasions, and his latest race saw a staying-on third-place finish at Ayr (24.3f, good to soft) with first-time cheekpieces. The cheekpieces are retained for this race, which may help maintain his improved form. However, he has struggled to deliver consistent performances in the past, so while he should be considered, there might be some reservations about his chances of success.

In summary, Pipers Cross seems to have the strongest claims for victory, followed by Something Golden and Howzat Hiris. All three horses have shown potential in recent races, but Pipers Cross’s marked improvement in her last race and her performance off the same mark make her the top pick for this event.