There’s plenty of depth to this three-mile novices’ handicap chase, but one runner stands out as a highly progressive stayer still ahead of his mark — and another may have slipped under the market’s radar altogether.

Walk On Quest arrives here unbeaten in four starts over fences and continues to shape like a horse comfortably better than his current rating. He had plenty in hand again at Kelso a fortnight ago, travelling smoothly and asserting late despite racing over a trip arguably on the short side. The expected very weak early pace could play right into his hands, with a proven ability to race prominently and settle just off the leaders a key asset in what looks a tactical affair. He’s already shown versatility regarding ground and tactics, and his steadily climbing ratings suggest the handicapper is yet to catch up. He looks the most likely winner and should be hard to beat.

However, the horse that perhaps offers most interest at the prices is Eyed, who continues to improve for a change of yard and now has three chase wins from his last four completed starts. He impressed again at Kempton last time, winning with a bit in hand and jumping well throughout. A steadily-run race wouldn’t inconvenience him either — he’s settled better in recent starts and stays well. With a strong record in similar ground and a trainer whose runners often keep progressing through the spring, there’s a solid chance he’s still a few pounds ahead of the assessor.

The likes of Deafening Silence and Fortunate Man are respected, but both may be closer to the ceiling of their ability based on recent adjusted performance figures. The former still looks a good jumper, but may not have the same scope to improve at this trip as others here.

Market Angle: Eyed’s profile doesn’t leap off the page at first glance, but his figures put him on the cusp of the very top group here, and he’s one that the market may be underestimating. He’s capable of running to a level that puts him on near-equal footing with the favourite, yet his early odds imply he’s considerably less likely to win than that.

Verdict:
Strongest contender: Walk On Quest 11/4 – progressive profile, tactically suited, still improving.
Value interest: Eyed 6/1 – quietly progressive, underestimated by the market.