This looks a competitive Class 4 over Ascot’s straight 7f, with no obvious standout and several runners capable of performing into the low-to-mid 80s.

There should be a fair pace. Havana Blue, King Of War, H Key Lails, Mystic Moment and possibly Wield are all capable of racing prominently, so the race ought to suit horses who settle and finish strongly.

Havana Blue sets the standard on recent form. He was only narrowly beaten over this course and distance on good to firm ground a fortnight ago, having led the centre group before taking over outright. A 3lb rise is reasonable and a repeat of that performance would put him firmly in the frame.

Mr Writer is the main progressive runner. He came from the rear to win at Leicester last time and remains open to improvement after only a handful of handicap starts. The concern is price rather than profile, as his recent victories have both been narrow and he now faces a deeper field from a 4lb higher mark.

Be Frank is well handicapped on the pick of last season’s form. His reappearance at Chester was quiet, but the return to quicker ground and a stiff straight 7f should suit. He has enough old form to be dangerous from a mark of 72 if that latest run has brought him forward.

Gallant is another with stronger claims than his recent finishing positions suggest. He stayed on well at Newmarket and met trouble at Newbury, while his mark continues to fall. He still has something to prove on turf, but the likely race shape gives him each-way appeal.

Walsons Law is harder to assess. His last two runs were disappointing, but he was a good third over 6f here in May and is now 4lb lower. He is capable of going close if returning to that level.

Illys Roo produced a career best when winning over 1m at York, but he is 6lb higher and drops back in trip. A strong pace will help, although he may need further improvement to follow up.

Dapper Guest is inconsistent, but his penultimate Newmarket fourth gives him a place chance in this grade. Tex is lightly weighted and could finish strongly if the leaders overdo it, while Mystic Moment needs to revive the better form she showed as a juvenile.

King Of War and H Key Lails are both likely to be vulnerable if denied an easy lead. Wield remains unexposed but has to leave a poor handicap debut well behind, while Independent Expert is difficult to support after two weak British runs.

Verdict

Havana Blue has the strongest recent course-and-distance form and looks the most solid option. Mr Writer is the most likely improver but is short enough in the market.

Gallant appeals as the each-way alternative, while Be Frank is respected if returning to his better form.

Selection: Havana Blue

Each-way: Gallant

Danger: Be Frank