A competitive seven-runner fillies’ handicap in which the three-year-olds appear to hold the strongest hand. The average official rating of 64 points to an ordinary Class 5 contest, but there are several progressive types whose current marks may not yet reflect their true ability.

Shirakawa brings the strongest recent credentials after following a comfortable Class 6 success at Bath with a determined victory in a stronger Class 5 at Salisbury. She showed tactical speed to make all before finding plenty when challenged late, suggesting she possesses both resolution and further scope for improvement. Today’s mark of 64 still looks workable, and with no abundance of early pace in the field she should again secure a favourable position.

Aravalli has won her last two starts at Chepstow and arrives as the market leader. Her latest success was visually impressive as she travelled strongly before pulling clear late on, although both victories came in Class 6 company. The handicapper has reacted with an 8 lb rise since her first win, so this represents a more searching examination. She has the profile of an improving filly but now has to prove that improvement transfers into stronger company.

The handicap debutante Talitha Rouge is perhaps the most intriguing runner. She has yet to win but has been campaigned exclusively in novice and maiden company at a higher level than today’s race. Her performances suggest she has the ability to be competitive from an opening mark of 68, although her tendency to be ridden patiently could become a tactical disadvantage if the pace proves steady.

Albertini Star remains lightly raced and shaped with promise on her handicap debut when staying on well for second at Nottingham. The winner was always beyond reach, but her late work hinted that there is more to come as she gains experience. Sandown’s uphill finish should suit, and she looks capable of outrunning her odds if the race is run at an honest tempo.

Of the older fillies, Huggable has enough back form to be competitive but has not yet reproduced her best efforts this season. She is now back to a more attractive mark and the first-time tongue-tie offers hope of improvement, though she still has something to prove after three below-par runs.

We Ride At Dawn is likely to provide much of the early pace. She shaped well when runner-up at Windsor before fading late over a longer trip at Bath, so the return to 1m2f is in her favour. However, she still needs to improve several pounds to trouble the principals.

Pershalla completes the line-up. Her sole victory came in a Class 6 handicap on the all-weather and, while she has shown enough to be competitive in this grade on occasions, recent form suggests she is vulnerable against the younger, progressive fillies. A wide draw adds to her task.

The race does not look overloaded with pace, making tactical positioning important. Shirakawa, Aravalli and We Ride At Dawn are all capable of racing prominently, while Talitha Rouge and Albertini Star are more likely to be played late. If the tempo is only steady, those racing handily could hold a significant advantage turning for home.

Predicted finishing order

1. Shirakawa
2. Aravalli
3. Talitha Rouge
4. Albertini Star
5. Huggable
6. We Ride At Dawn
7. Pershalla

Verdict: Shirakawa sets the standard after already proving herself in Class 5 company and still looks capable of further progress. Aravalli commands obvious respect after successive wins but must now show she can carry that improvement into a stronger race. Talitha Rouge is the dark horse on handicap debut, while Albertini Star appeals as the value option for those looking beyond the front two.