A competitive five-runner contest rounds off the Stratford card, with three last-time-out winners heading the market in what promises to be an intriguing tactical affair. With only a small field declared, the early pace is unlikely to be strong, placing an emphasis on jumping, positioning and the ability to quicken from the home turn.

Lucy The Wire sets the standard after an impressive success at Worcester, where the application of first-time cheekpieces appeared to unlock significant improvement. James Owen’s progressive four-year-old has now won twice over hurdles and arrives on the back of a career-best performance. The step up in trip presents a new question, but her profile suggests there could still be further progress to come if she settles and sees out the extra distance.

Course winner Basilette is another arriving in peak form after producing a career-best effort over this course and distance just seven days ago. A 7lb penalty makes life tougher, but she clearly thrives at Stratford and remains a major player if able to reproduce that latest display despite carrying top weight.

Roarin’ Success also comes here after breaking her hurdling maiden over this track three weeks ago. Formerly useful on the Flat, she showed plenty of determination to score that day and remains relatively unexposed over obstacles. The slight increase in distance offers scope for further improvement if her stamina holds up.

The remainder have more to prove. Klervia has hinted at ability in similar company but has yet to win over hurdles and was well below her best on her latest outing before returning to Barry Brennan’s yard. Dusky Spyglass has shown little in limited starts under Rules and would need a dramatic revival to trouble the principals.

The likely race shape suggests a steadily run affair, with tactical speed likely to prove decisive rather than outright stamina. Lucy The Wire and Roarin’ Success should be able to secure prominent positions, while Basilette is expected to sit just behind the pace before making her challenge turning for home.

Verdict: Lucy The Wire has the strongest blend of current form and improvement potential and is taken to continue her progression. Basilette rates the chief threat given her excellent record at Stratford, while Roarin’ Success can make her presence felt if seeing out the longer trip. In a race lacking depth beyond the front three, it would be no surprise if they dominated the finish.