This looks one of the strongest contests on the Saturday card, bringing together a mix of progressive handicap debutants, established summer hurdlers and several in-form runners arriving on winning streaks. Run on good ground, the race promises to be truly run, with several pace angles likely to ensure a searching gallop.

Much of the pre-race focus centres on Louis Veron, an unexposed five-year-old from the Dan Skelton yard. Twice an impressive winner on good ground this summer, he makes his handicap debut after producing an eye-catching Racing Post Rating at Stratford while appearing to have plenty left in reserve. His profile suggests there’s considerably more to come, and if his opening handicap mark underestimates his ability, he sets a lofty standard despite facing much stronger opposition for the first time.

A fascinating rival is Mojito Des Mottes, whose profile is built around untapped potential rather than exposed form. The four-year-old caught the eye with a powerful late surge to finish second in a competitive Ascot handicap after a wind operation, and the combination of his age allowance and the booking of Harry Cobden adds further intrigue. If he takes another step forward, he has the scope to bridge the gap on the favourite.

Moon Chime brings the strongest piece of established handicap form, having landed the prestigious Swinton Handicap Hurdle at Haydock in May. That victory confirmed his ability in large-field contests on good ground, and although a higher mark and top weight demand another career-best, his proven class and battling attitude make him a major player once again.

The pace could be dictated by Newtown Rambler, who returns to hurdles after completing a hat-trick over fences. His aggressive running style has proved highly effective since joining Adrian Keatley, and if allowed to settle into an uncontested rhythm, he could prove difficult to catch. However, with other forward-going runners in the line-up, there is a possibility the early fractions become stronger than ideal.

Among the remaining contenders, Squeezebox arrives full of confidence after an emphatic handicap success and continues to improve for Tom Lacey, while Letterston Lily remains relatively lightly raced for a six-year-old and shaped as though there could be more to come when scoring on her seasonal return. Indemnity and High Fibre have the class to be competitive but may need to produce more than recent efforts suggest, while others such as Continuance, Howth, Morning Mayhem, Charlus, and Pigeon House appear to have more to find at this level.

With a likely strong gallop developing, the race could be set up perfectly for a horse finishing strongly from just off the pace. Louis Veron possesses the profile of a potentially well-handicapped improver and is taken to confirm the promise of his novice victories. Mojito Des Mottes rates the chief danger if building on his Ascot effort, while Moon Chime can once again demonstrate his consistency in major handicaps. Newtown Rambler is respected as the principal pace influence and may prove difficult to pass if securing an economical lead.

Prediction: 1. Louis Veron 2. Mojito Des Mottes 3. Moon Chime 4. Newtown Rambler.