A competitive five-runner handicap brings together several familiar course specialists, with proven Beverley form likely to prove decisive around this unique, undulating track.

A War Eagle sets the standard on recent form. The progressive four-year-old returned to winning ways over this course and distance in April before holding his own in stronger Class 2 and Class 3 handicaps. His latest third at Epsom was better than the bare result after suffering interference before staying on well, and the drop back into Class 4 company makes him a major player despite carrying top weight.

Course specialist Glenfinnan arrives in excellent heart after winning over this trip here in May and finishing a close second over the same course and distance earlier this month. A previous winner from a much higher handicap mark, he looks well treated if reproducing his best and is likely to be involved from the outset.

Veteran It Just Takes Time has rediscovered his form with three consecutive placed efforts and remains just 1lb above his last winning mark. A natural front-runner with an outstanding Beverley record, he could prove difficult to peg back if allowed to dictate the pace.

Tattie Bogle is better than his latest effort suggests, having won over this course and distance in June before perhaps running too quickly after a hard race when disappointing here last time. As one of the least exposed runners in the field, he has the potential to bounce back.

Coolree is another proven Beverley performer and comes here in consistent form, but all of his victories at the track have come over further. Dropping back to 7½ furlongs may leave him vulnerable to rivals with greater speed.

Verdict

This looks set to revolve around A War Eagle, whose recent form in higher-grade handicaps gives him the strongest credentials on paper. Glenfinnan is feared most given his excellent course record and current wellbeing, while It Just Takes Time could make life difficult for the closers if securing an uncontested lead. Tattie Bogle is respected as the potential improver, but A War Eagle gets the nod to confirm his class edge back in calmer waters.