The 16:42 at Sandown is a competitive Class 4 handicap over 1m6f, and while the market has understandably centred on So Alex and Marnier, this is not a race to assess on raw ratings alone. Several runners arrive with strong place profiles, proven staying form, or potential to improve for conditions.

So Alex looks the most solid option. He is lightly raced for a four-year-old and has built a consistent handicap profile, particularly since stepping up in trip. His latest second at Carlisle over 1m6f was another step in the right direction, and the good ground should suit. The Stat Attack data also supports him strongly, with an excellent handicap place record and a reliable overall career-place profile. He may not be wildly overpriced, but he is the runner with the fewest questions.

Marnier is the obvious danger. The Gosden runner shaped well over course and distance last time, staying on into third, and this race gives him another chance to confirm that 1m6f is what he wants. His trainer statistics are strong, and he has enough form in the book to win from his current mark. The slight concern is that his overall record is only one win from ten starts, so at a short price he needs everything to fall right.

The most interesting value angle is Pyleates. Her latest Sandown run was better than the bare result, as she met trouble in running behind Marnier. With only five career starts, she remains open to improvement, and her pedigree suggests this kind of staying test could bring out more. She lacks the obvious statistical strength of some rivals, but from a betting perspective she has the most attractive upside at bigger odds.

Arqoob is another to consider, especially for each-way players. He is exposed at eight, but his class and track-related statistics are strong, and he drops slightly in grade. If able to reproduce something close to his better historical form, he is capable of outrunning his price.

Aggagio also has notable place credentials, especially at the distance, but his best Flat form in Britain has generally come at Goodwood. That makes him more appealing for place-based bets than as a win proposition. Macari has past course-and-distance winning form, but his latest run here was disappointing, while Galactic Jack has too much to prove after a long absence from the Flat.

Overall, So Alex is the most likely winner, but Pyleates appeals as the best value play. She is the runner with the most hidden upside, while Arqoob makes sense as a stats-based each-way alternative.

Verdict: So Alex is the solid win choice, but Pyleates is the each-way value.