This looks a competitive Class 5 handicap rather than a race containing an obvious blot. Several arrive with solid recent form, while a handful are relying on sliding handicap marks and the hope of a revival.

The one that makes the most appeal is Commander Of Life. He has been running consistently in stronger races than this and now drops into a Class 5 handicap with a mark that still leaves him well treated on the balance of his recent form. His closing style should suit if the early pace is honest, although he will need gaps at the right time.

Farandaway is another major player. He has held his form well this season and has the profile of a horse capable of winning from his current mark. He is reliable, stays the trip strongly and looks sure to be involved if reproducing his latest efforts.

Al Muqdad has enough ability to feature if returning to the level of his better runs. His current mark gives him a chance, although he has become slightly harder to predict and may need everything to fall right.

Straight A is one to respect despite a modest strike-rate on turf. He has been finishing his races strongly in recent starts and shaped better than the bare result at Doncaster earlier this month when coming from the rear to finish fourth. If the pace develops in front of him, he could be finishing better than most.

Evocative Spark arrives after winning three races earlier in the year before disappointing on his latest start. Those wins came from steadily rising marks and demonstrated he still retains ability, but he now has to prove the latest effort was merely a blip rather than a sign that the handicapper has caught up with him.

Lumenbourg is perhaps the most interesting of the middle-priced runners. He is a straightforward front-running type who often gives his running and has an excellent record on straight tracks. His recent Carlisle effort was below his best, but he has already won this season and has previously run well at Doncaster. If allowed an uncontested lead he could prove difficult to reel in.

The remainder have questions to answer. Jenni has dropped to an attractive handicap mark and hinted at a return to form when staying on late at Catterick, but she still has to prove she can reproduce the level of form she showed last season. War Howl is very difficult to recommend after a sequence of heavy defeats and would need a dramatic revival.

Overall, this looks a race where current, reliable handicap form is likely to prevail over horses trading on past achievements. Commander Of Life and Farandaway set the standard, with Straight A and Lumenbourg appealing as the most interesting alternatives if the race develops to suit their respective running styles.

Predicted finishing order

1. Commander Of Life
2. Farandaway
3. Straight A
4. Lumenbourg
5. Al Muqdad
6. Evocative Spark
7. Jenni
8. War Howl

Verdict: Commander Of Life is narrowly preferred on the strength of his recent form and class edge, but this is a competitive handicap in which Lumenbourg could prove dangerous if securing an easy lead, while Straight A looks capable of outrunning his odds if the pace collapses late.