The feature race on Market Rasen’s summer card is a typically competitive renewal of the Betway Summer Plate Handicap Chase, with a field packed full of progressive handicappers, seasoned campaigners and proven course specialists set to clash over 2m5½f on good ground.

A strong pace looks almost guaranteed, with Mahons Glory, Breizh River and Nickelforce all preferring to race prominently. That should ensure an honest gallop from the outset and could set the race up perfectly for a horse arriving late from off the pace.

Kingston Narcissus appeals as the one with the strongest overall profile. The Dan Skelton-trained seven-year-old has made an immediate impact since joining the yard, producing two excellent runner-up efforts after an impressive chase debut success. His latest second at Uttoxeter came over an inadequate two miles, where he stayed on strongly behind Newton Rambler, and today’s return to a longer trip promises to suit ideally. With Harry Skelton in the saddle and conditions in his favour, he looks the horse to beat.

Soul Icon commands plenty of respect under Harry Cobden, who has an outstanding record in this race. A high-class handicapper on his day, he has been competing in stronger company throughout the season and arrives on a workable mark. If reproducing the level of form he showed over three miles earlier this year, he should be involved at the finish once again.

Last year’s form lines also bring Mahons Glory firmly into the picture. He produced a career-best performance when landing a valuable handicap over this course and distance last month and clearly thrives around Market Rasen. However, a 4lb rise and the prospect of competition for the lead could make life more difficult this time.

Another arriving in excellent form is Breizh River, who has rediscovered his best for Tristan Davidson and bids for a hat-trick after another determined victory at Cartmel. He is admirably consistent, although his attacking style means he could become embroiled in the early battle for position.

Among the potential improvers, Queensbury Boy is particularly interesting. His disappointing effort in the Summer Cup can probably be forgiven, and first-time cheekpieces may help him bounce back. Lightly raced over fences, he still has the scope to improve beyond his current rating and looks an appealing each-way contender.

At bigger prices, King Roly cannot be dismissed after an encouraging course-and-distance second on his latest outing, while Nickelforce arrives in good heart with a low weight and should appreciate the return to this trip.

With several front-runners likely to ensure a searching gallop, stamina and tactical patience may prove decisive. That race shape looks tailor-made for Kingston Narcissus, whose finishing style and progressive profile make him the one to side with in one of the summer’s most competitive handicap chases.

Selection: Kingston Narcissus
Main danger: Soul Icon
Best each-way: Queensbury Boy
Dark horse: King Roly