A competitive Class 6 sprint closes the card at Nottingham, where proven course form and the ability to see out the track’s stiff 5f are likely to prove decisive on good-to-firm ground.

The vote narrowly goes to Sir Benedict, whose profile is particularly well suited to this venue. The veteran sprinter has a strong record over this course and distance, including a win and a close second from just two previous visits. While he has yet to win a classified race, his recent handicap form suggests he remains capable of running to a level that makes him a major player in this company. A return to Nottingham could be exactly what he needs.

Washington Heir arrives in arguably the best recent form after breaking his maiden in classified company at Brighton before backing that up with another solid placed effort. Confidence appears to have been restored and he is respected, although Brighton’s unique track often produces form that does not always transfer straightforwardly to Nottingham’s more demanding finish.

Jackie Brown is an interesting contender. Formerly trained in Ireland, she shaped encouragingly when third on her second start for Adrian Wintle at Ffos Las and looks capable of building on that effort. The main question is whether a sharp 5f will prove ideal, but if she adapts to the shorter trip she could be the one finishing strongest in the closing stages.

Of the remainder, Desert Master has shown flashes of form on fast ground this summer and would be dangerous if reproducing his Doncaster second from June, while Ganthorpe is the race’s most intriguing improver. The three-year-old drops to 5f for the first time since his early career and has the profile of a horse who could take a step forward if the shorter trip unlocks improvement.

Course winner Rinky Tinky Tinky is not without hope back at a track she enjoys, but needs to show more than she has in recent starts. Antiphon, Captain Kinsella and Baileys Ontherocks all have questions to answer on recent form and arrive with something to prove.

Prediction

1. Sir Benedict
2. Jackie Brown
3. Washington Heir
4. Ganthorpe

Best Bet: Sir Benedict
Value Play: Jackie Brown
Dark Horse: Ganthorpe