A competitive Class 6 nursery brings together a field of lightly raced two-year-olds, many of whom are making only their first or second handicap start. With improvement likely from several runners, this looks a race where untapped potential could prove more important than established form.

Miss Moneypit heads the market after showing promise in stronger novice company earlier in the season. Her fourth at Ascot reads well in the context of this race, and although she has failed to build on that in her last two starts, the switch into handicap company, combined with the booking of Oisin Murphy, makes her a major player. A return to 5f on fast ground could also suit.

Romidijo arrives with the strongest recent handicap form after finishing second at Chepstow. She travelled well over 6f that day and now drops back to the minimum trip. If she has the speed for 5f, she’s likely to be involved at the finish under Billy Loughnane.

One of the more intriguing runners is Dreamlover, who makes his nursery debut after showing flashes of ability in novice company. His third at Chester hinted at useful speed, while the drop back to 5f looks a positive after failing to see out 6f convincingly on his latest start. With scope to improve from an opening mark of 65, he looks capable of taking a sizeable step forward.

Sable Island and Invicta Rose both enter handicaps with something to prove after mixed efforts in maiden and novice company. Each has shown enough ability to suggest they could be competitive if improving for the switch to this company, but neither arrives with the same compelling profile as the principals.

At bigger odds, Targa could outrun market expectations. She raced too freely over 6f on her handicap debut and may benefit from the sharper test of 5f, while Archie Watson’s juveniles are often capable of finding improvement after gaining handicap experience.

From a tactical perspective, there isn’t an abundance of obvious early pace, suggesting those able to race prominently could enjoy an advantage around Lingfield’s sharp five furlongs. Positioning is likely to be crucial in what may develop into a steadily run sprint before the race quickens approaching the final furlong.

Verdict: Miss Moneypit sets the standard on previous form and is a deserving favourite, but Dreamlover appeals as the horse with the most upside and rates the value play if taking another step forward on his handicap debut. Romidijo is respected after her recent Chepstow second and should ensure the favourite has to earn victory.