The 2.35 at Doncaster looks a well-contested Class 5 mile handicap, with several runners arriving in form and a handful still open to further improvement. On good-to-firm ground, this should reward horses with proven speed at the trip, tactical versatility and the ability to quicken off a solid pace.

Amidst The Chaos sets a clear standard on recent form. Nigel Tinkler’s four-year-old was a commanding winner at Pontefract in first-time cheekpieces and remains of major interest despite carrying a penalty. His latest Racing Post Rating suggests he is still ahead of his current mark, and the headgear may have unlocked more improvement. He has strong claims of confirming himself as a progressive handicapper.

Al Muqdad brings a very solid statistical profile into the race. His partnership with Daniel Tudhope has produced a strong place record, and he ran well over course and distance recently when just touched off over 7f. The slight question is whether returning to a mile is ideal, as most of his winning form has come at 7f, but his consistency makes him a serious player.

The value angle may lie with Mwafaq, who has won four of his last six starts and remains progressive. He scored at Hamilton last time and has shown he can handle good or quick ground. A 3lb rise does not look harsh, and at bigger odds than the market leaders he appeals as one of the more interesting each-way options.

Tilani is another with strong recent credentials, having won twice in May before finishing second at Goodwood. The drop back to a mile should suit after he appeared to be outstayed over 1m1f, but his current price now looks closer to fair than generous.

For each-way players, Toralou is worth a second look. Her recent Ffos Las second showed she is back in form, and her place statistics over this race type and distance are encouraging. She may not have the same upside as the main improvers, but she looks capable of running into the frame.

Yafaarr returned to winning form at Redcar and is respected if backing that effort up, while Straight A is consistent enough to be involved without looking especially well treated. War Howl has old course form but has been badly out of sorts this season, and Valentine Catcher needs to improve for the step up to a mile.

Overall, this looks less straightforward than the market suggests. Amidst The Chaos is the most likely winner on recent improvement, but Mwafaq offers the better value at the prices. Al Muqdad and Toralou look the key place horses.

Verdict:

1. Amidst The Chaos
2. Mwafaq
3. Al Muqdad
4. Toralou

Best bet: Mwafaq each-way
Most likely winner: Amidst The Chaos
Best place angle: Toralou