1m2½f | Good to Firm | 4 runners

A small but intriguing field lines up for this novice, with the market dominated by two progressive three-year-olds from powerful yards.

Round The Table sets the standard on form after making a winning return at Ffos Las. Having shaped with promise in a useful Newbury maiden on debut, Tom Clover’s colt took a significant step forward when travelling strongly before drawing right away to score by five and a half lengths over this trip. Although that victory came in a modest five-runner maiden, he remains open to further improvement and deserves favouritism.

The chief threat is Interstate, representing John and Thady Gosden with William Buick taking the ride. His juvenile campaign consisted of just two all-weather starts, improving markedly from an educational debut to finish a neck second in a Southwell novice. He looked inexperienced throughout that effort, yet stayed on strongly at the finish, suggesting both the step up to 1m2f and natural progression from two to three could unlock considerable improvement. He has yet to match Round The Table’s achieved level but may have the greater scope.

Dancingondiamonds returns to the Flat after two disappointing hurdle runs. His best Flat effort came when fifth at Dundalk, where he travelled well before weakening after leading, and his overall profile suggests he has something to find with the principals. He is respected for his experience but will need a career-best performance to challenge.

Twin And Tonic has been well beaten in both starts and faces a stiff task. While she receives the fillies’ allowance and may improve with experience, she has shown little so far to suggest she can trouble the leading pair.

With only four runners, the pace could prove tactical rather than searching, placing an emphasis on positioning and acceleration rather than outright stamina. Even so, the race appears to revolve around the two progressive colts.

Predicted finishing order

1. Round The Table
2. Interstate
3. Dancingondiamonds
4. Twin And Tonic

Private ratings (expected performance)

Horse| Rating
Round The Table| 93
Interstate| 92
Dancingondiamonds| 82
Twin And Tonic| 63

Verdict: Round The Table is the deserved favourite after an authoritative maiden success and is the percentage call. However, Interstate is unlikely to be far behind on ratings and appeals as the value alternative if building on his promising juvenile form. The remaining pair look to be playing for minor honours unless the principals fail to reproduce their expected level.