The 15:00 at Musselburgh is a competitive Class 3 handicap over 1m1f on good ground, with showers forecast. That weather detail is worth noting, because any ease in the surface could slightly change the balance of the race. On the evidence available, there are no non-runners flagged on the supplied card.

This looks a race with a proper pace angle. Two B Tanned, High Degree, Pandemonium, Thunder Wonder and Dwindling Funds have all shown early speed or prominent-running tendencies. That should make life difficult for anything needing an easy lead, and it may favour a horse who can settle just behind the pace and finish strongly.

The most appealing profile belongs to Haayimm. He is lightly raced, progressive, and shaped well at Hamilton when finishing with purpose over around a mile. The extra furlong looks a positive, and a strongly run race should help him settle and use his stamina late. On handicap debut, he has more upside than most of these.

High Degree is the solid one. He has been beaten favourite several times but has still run with credit in useful handicaps. The intermediate trip should suit, and William Haggas has a strong record at the track. The issue is price: he is reliable, but not bombproof, and may be vulnerable if too short.

Strength Of Spirit is the interesting value runner. He was a close third over course and distance last time, finishing well, and his run style could be ideal if the leaders go hard. He is already proven at the track and should not be underestimated.

Pandemonium also ran well over course and distance last time, only losing late. The cheekpieces and gelding operation may have helped, but he still has to prove that revival was not a one-off.

Others have questions. Two B Tanned is admirable but may face too much pace pressure and is now higher in the weights. Marhaba Ghaiyyath has back-class but has become risky. Thunder Wonder likes Musselburgh but has not looked at his best this year. Rochfortbridge is interesting on old form after being gelded, though this is a tough handicap debut. Dwindling Funds is honest but looks up against it from out of the weights.

The race may be won late rather than from the front. Haayimm looks the most likely winner, especially if the pace is strong and the showers do not turn conditions extreme. For value, Strength Of Spirit makes more appeal at bigger odds.

Recommended fair odds: Haayimm 3-1, High Degree 4-1, Strength Of Spirit 13-2, Pandemonium 8-1.