With several exposed runners meeting again, the tactical battle is likely to determine the outcome.

The early pace appears set to come from William F Browne, who has repeatedly shown a desire to lead or race prominently. Rushford is another who has gone forward in recent starts and may ensure the leader does not get an easy time. Launch Time, drawn nearby, is likely to secure a handy position just behind the pace, while La Campanella could also be ridden positively.

That should create an honest rather than overly aggressive gallop. The key question is whether the front-runners can conserve enough energy for the finish. William F Browne’s recent form suggests he often travels well in front but struggles to finish off his races, having been headed late on several occasions. Rushford has shown a similar tendency to weaken when pressure is applied.

This race may therefore set up ideally for a horse sitting just behind the speed. Bella Colombia fits that profile particularly well. Her recent run comments consistently show a mare who tracks the pace, travels comfortably through her races and keeps finding under pressure. Her victory in March came after making smooth headway from midfield before staying on strongly inside the final furlong, and several subsequent efforts suggest she remains in good enough form to be competitive from her current mark.

Launch Time is another major player. His best efforts have come when tracking the leaders and striking late, and if the pace develops as expected he could get the first run on the closers turning for home. He is likely to be one of the market leaders for good reason.

Petes Dream is harder to win with but could outrun his odds. His recent comments show a horse regularly positioned just behind the pace and keeping on at one pace late. In a race where several rivals have vulnerabilities, he could easily sneak into the frame.

Among the hold-up horses, Famous Enough possesses some late-running ability but may need a stronger pace than is likely here. Tullyesker, Pure Valour and Milverton all appear dependent on circumstances falling perfectly and would need significant improvement.

Best Bet: Bella Colombia

From a pace perspective she gets the race run to suit. She should be able to sit behind William F Browne, Rushford and Launch Time, conserve energy through the first half of the contest and make her challenge as the leaders begin to tire. Her recent run-comment profile is one of the strongest in the field and she looks the runner most likely to receive an optimal tactical setup.

Predicted Finish

1. Bella Colombia
2. Launch Time
3. Petes Dream
4. William F Browne

In a race lacking obvious improvers, Bella Colombia’s combination of tactical position, proven finishing effort and favourable race shape makes her the standout betting proposition.If you’re looking for a value alternative to the favourite, I’d be interested in Petes Dream each-way at around 11/2+, as his running style should also fit the expected race shape.