The 3.35 at Sandown, the Davies Insurance Solutions Gala Stakes, may have only six runners, but it is a fascinating Listed contest with a mix of proven older horses, progressive types and one dangerous three-year-old improver.

At the head of the market is Sallaal, and understandably so. Roger Varian’s four-year-old produced a seriously smart handicap performance at Epsom on Oaks day, recording a standout Racing Post Rating and confirming himself as a horse ready to make his mark back at Listed level. The trip is ideal, the ground looks suitable, and his profile still has enough freshness to suggest he may not have reached his ceiling yet. He is the most likely winner, but at short odds there is limited margin for error.

The value angle may lie with Persica. Richard Hannon’s runner has strong Sandown credentials, having won over course and distance, and his recent form ties in well with this grade. His Stat Attack profile is particularly persuasive: strong figures for going, distance, days bracket and overall career performance suggest conditions are very much in his favour. With Ryan Moore booked, he looks a serious contender at a more attractive price than the favourite.

Glacius adds intrigue as the sole three-year-old in the field. His third in the Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot was a highly encouraging seasonal return, and with only four career runs he remains open to plenty of improvement. The weight-for-age allowance gives him a real chance of bridging the form gap to the older horses, and he is the most dangerous improver in the race.

At bigger odds, Boiling Point is worth more respect than the market may suggest. He has a penalty to carry after winning a Listed race at Goodwood, which makes life tougher, but his place statistics are excellent. His record on the going, surface and race code all point to a horse who is regularly competitive in this type of scenario. He may need others to underperform to win, but he is not without frame claims.

Dividend arrives in good form and has improved since wearing cheekpieces, including a strong effort at Royal Ascot. However, his market position looks a little short compared with some of the statistical evidence, especially with Persica and Glacius offering more upside or value at similar prices.

Royal Rhyme is another who cannot be dismissed on back-class. He is a previous course-and-distance winner and had excuses at Royal Ascot, but his losing run is becoming a concern. He has the ability to be involved, though others arrive with stronger momentum.

Overall, Sallaal is the horse they all have to beat, but the betting appeal is stronger elsewhere. Persica looks the best value win play, while Glacius is the obvious improver and Boiling Point is the outsider to consider for place-based angles.

Selection: Persica
Main danger: Sallaal
Improver: Glacius
Outsider to note: Boiling Point