Despite attracting just six runners, with several arriving holding realistic claims and little separating the principals on recent form.

Jersey Maverick heads the shortlist after another solid effort when finishing second at Leicester last month. A previous course-and-distance winner on good-to-firm ground, he returns to ideal conditions and the step back up to 7f looks a positive move. Consistency has been his hallmark and he sets a reliable standard in a race lacking standout quality.

Silver Trumpet is another with strong Epsom credentials, having won over this course and distance in emphatic fashion last summer. His latest run at Southwell was below par, but his earlier efforts this season suggest he remains in good heart. Now only 3lb higher than for that comfortable C&D success, he looks capable of mounting a serious challenge if bouncing back.

Stenmark is perhaps the most interesting contender. He shaped encouragingly on his stable debut at Yarmouth before running respectably in a stronger Newmarket handicap last time. Dropping into this grade could prove significant and further progress for his current yard would make him a major player.

Panelli returns from a 147-day absence but had been knocking firmly on the door on the all-weather during the winter, including a narrow defeat at Chelmsford on his latest outing. If fully tuned up after the break, he has the ability to feature prominently and commands respect.

The lightly raced Potomac River remains a maiden after five starts but showed promise in a stronger contest at Newmarket last month. This represents a drop in class and, as the least exposed horse in the field, he has the potential to improve beyond his current mark. Any market confidence would be noteworthy.

Dandy Khan completes the field. A prolific all-weather winner earlier in the year, she has yet to reproduce that level of form on turf and needs to show she can be just as effective back on grass.

With proven course form, suitable conditions and a strong recent profile, Jersey Maverick narrowly gets the vote. However, Silver Trumpet and Stenmark are close behind in a race where small margins could prove decisive, while Potomac River is the one with the scope to take a sizeable step forward.