A competitive Class 6 handicap rounds off the evening at Windsor, with several runners arriving in solid form and little separating the principals on official ratings. The good-to-firm ground should ensure an honest test over the 1m2f trip, and tactical positioning could prove just as important as raw ability.

Fast Steps sets a high standard on recent consistency. The veteran has yet to get his head back in front this season but has gone close on each of his three starts, including two excellent efforts over this course and distance. Dropping to a favourable mark and reunited with Oisin Murphy, he looks poised to mount another serious challenge if reproducing his recent level.

Recent winner Super Hit arrives in excellent heart after breaking through at Epsom before following up with a creditable third at Brighton. A 2lb rise asks a little more of him, but he remains on an upward curve and is likely to be prominent from the outset.

Course specialist Guinness Lad finally shed his maiden tag over 1m3½f here last month and has since confirmed that form with another strong effort. Although dropping back slightly in trip, he has already shown he handles this course well and another bold bid looks likely.

Danehill Star is one of the most reliable runners in the field, having filled the places on each of his last three turf starts. The slight concern remains his inability to win on grass despite six all-weather victories, but another competitive performance would come as no surprise.

Of the remainder, Sansanetti is an interesting outsider. Four wins during a productive spell last season highlight her ability, and there were encouraging signs of a return to form at Lingfield last time. If building on that effort, she could easily outrun her odds.

The likely pace appears to come from Super Hit and Guinness Lad, with Fast Steps expected to track the leaders before delivering his challenge in the straight. That race shape should favour those sitting just off the speed rather than hold-up performers.

Verdict: Fast Steps has been knocking firmly on the door and conditions once again look ideal. With his consistency, proven course-and-distance form and the booking of Oisin Murphy, he is taken to finally gain a deserved victory. Super Hit and Guinness Lad look the chief dangers, while Sansanetti appeals as an each-way contender capable of making the frame.