A fascinating four-runner handicap sees progressive three-year-old Be Patient bid to continue his rapid rise against a trio of older, more exposed rivals.

Edward Bethell’s colt made a striking impression when making a winning handicap debut at Doncaster earlier this month, travelling strongly before quickening clear over today’s trip on good to firm ground. That performance earned a career-best Racing Post Rating and suggested there is plenty more to come from a horse having just his fourth career start. With ideal conditions once again and further improvement expected, he sets a high standard despite his relative inexperience.

The chief threat may come from the ultra-consistent Financer, who arrives in excellent form after finishing a close second at Carlisle. A previous course-and-distance winner, he is now back on a competitive handicap mark and is helped by Jake Dickson’s valuable 7lb claim. In a race lacking obvious early pace, he could enjoy the run of things if able to dictate from the front.

Nepal is harder to assess. He returns from a five-month absence having undergone wind surgery since his disappointing final run in Bahrain. His earlier form suggests he has the ability to be competitive at this level, but top weight and fitness concerns mean he has something to prove on his return.

The wildcard is Blue To Blue, whose juvenile campaign featured three victories over shorter distances. His three-year-old season has been mixed, but stepping up to 1m2f for the first time offers the possibility of improvement if he settles and sees out the trip. He remains the least exposed of the older runners after Be Patient and could outrun his odds if the extra distance unlocks further progress.

With only four runners declared, tactics are likely to play a major role. A steadily run contest appears the most likely scenario, placing greater emphasis on tactical speed and a decisive turn of foot rather than outright stamina. That race shape looks ideal for Be Patient, who demonstrated exactly those qualities at Doncaster.

Prediction

1. Be Patient
2. Financer
3. Nepal
4. Blue To Blue

Verdict: Be Patient looks the class act in the field and, as the only runner with significant scope for improvement, is taken to maintain his unbeaten handicap record. Financer rates the biggest danger if securing an uncontested lead, while Blue To Blue is an intriguing outsider capable of improving for the step up in trip.