The 17:15 at Nottingham is a competitive six-furlong Class 5 handicap in which several runners are well treated on old form, but only a handful arrive with convincing recent evidence.

Emperor Caradoc sets the standard after finishing second over this course and distance earlier in the month. He has an excellent record at Nottingham, with two wins and a second from three visits, and conditions again look ideal on good-to-firm ground. A 1lb rise leaves him on a workable mark and he is the most reliable runner in the field.

Sixtygeesbaby is the main danger. He remains winless in six starts for David O’Meara, but his latest fifth in a stronger York handicap was a clear step in the right direction. He has dropped significantly in the weights, retains the visor and now moves down in class. A return to his best would make him very hard to beat, although his short price does not leave much room for another underwhelming effort.

Logi Bear is the most interesting alternative at a bigger price. The three-year-old disappointed at York last time, but that came in a stronger Class 4 contest and his previous second at Thirsk was a solid effort. He remains lightly enough raced to improve and receives a useful weight allowance from the older horses. He could be well suited by this return to calmer waters.

Hoodie Hoo has some of the strongest peak form in the race and was rated 82 when second at Lingfield in April. However, his last two runs have been less encouraging and he now needs to rediscover his earlier-season level. He is respected, but his price looks short enough given his recent decline.

Jenever is another with strong course credentials. He won over this track and trip last October and is now 6lb lower in the weights, but his form this season has been subdued. A revival is possible under ideal conditions, although he needs to show considerably more than he has in recent starts.

Loquella remains unexposed and returns to the six-furlong trip over which she showed promise in novice company. Her handicap runs have been disappointing, but she has more potential than several of the exposed older runners and could outrun large odds if the drop back in distance sparks improvement.

Dark Kestrel is better on the all-weather than turf, while Southern Warrior has yet to reproduce his Newcastle form since changing stables. Both need significant improvement.

The early pace may be only steady, with no obvious front-runner in the field. That should favour runners able to race prominently and quicken, which is another positive for Emperor Caradoc. Sixtygeesbaby should also be able to secure a good tactical position, while those held up may struggle if the race develops into a sprint from halfway.

Verdict

Emperor Caradoc is the safest selection given his excellent Nottingham record and strong recent course-and-distance form. Sixtygeesbaby is an obvious threat after his improved York effort, but the best value may lie with Logi Bear, who drops in class and has more improvement potential than most.

Selection: Emperor Caradoc

Main danger: Sixtygeesbaby

Value option: Logi Bear