A competitive six-runner fillies’ handicap rounds off the Leicester card, with several progressive three-year-olds taking on an improving older rival in what promises to be a well-run six furlongs on good to firm ground.

Zen Diva sets the standard after recording back-to-back victories at Ripon and Salisbury. Ralph Beckett’s filly has looked a different proposition since returning this season, winning a novice impressively before following up on her handicap debut despite a rise in class. A further 6lb rise asks another question, but with Rossa Ryan retaining the ride and her profile still pointing firmly upwards, she is a worthy favourite.

The chief danger may be Cotai Belle, who has developed a frustrating habit of finishing second but has been competing consistently in stronger handicaps. Richard and Peter Fahey’s filly arrives on the back of another excellent runner-up effort at Carlisle and, with useful apprentice Ethan Tindall taking 5lb off, looks certain to be competitive if reproducing that level.

One of the more intriguing runners is Afraj. The John and Thady Gosden-trained filly won on debut before shaping with promise in novice company, and now makes her handicap debut from what could prove to be a workable opening mark. The drop back to six furlongs, combined with William Buick in the saddle, suggests there may be further improvement to come.

Miss Nightcap also enters handicaps for the first time after making all to win at Wolverhampton over seven furlongs. She has shown plenty of speed in all three starts and could prove dangerous if allowed an uncontested lead, although today’s stronger pace may test her stamina back at six furlongs.

Course-and-distance winner Amelia’s Joy deserves respect after scoring over this track and trip earlier this month. She steps up in class from a career-high mark but has been in consistent form and another bold showing would come as no surprise.

The outsider, Romantic Twilight, returns to the mark from which she won at Yarmouth last autumn but has failed to build on that success in three subsequent starts. She needs to rediscover her best form to trouble the principals.

A genuinely run race looks likely, with both Miss Nightcap and Romantic Twilight happiest racing prominently. That should ensure an honest gallop and could set the race up for the stronger finishers.

Verdict: Zen Diva has the strongest recent form and is taken to complete a hat-trick, although handicap debutante Afraj is an interesting improver capable of taking a sizeable step forward. Cotai Belle rates the most solid each-runner in the field and should again be involved at the finish.

Prediction:

1. Zen Diva
2. Afraj
3. Cotai Belle