A competitive Class 4 staying handicap in which several arrive with credible claims, though the race may not be as strong as the field size suggests.

There is no obvious guaranteed front-runner, so the early gallop could be steady. That would place extra emphasis on tactical speed and position, rather than turning the race into a severe test of stamina.

Talismans Time sets a useful standard. He returned to form when third over 1m6f at York last time and remains lightly raced for a four-year-old. He has top weight to carry, but Cian Horgan’s 5 lb claim helps, and he could improve for the step back up in distance.

Rogue Empire is the obvious progressive runner after completing a hat-trick in lower-grade company. He has been winning with something to spare and may still be ahead of the handicapper, although this is a much deeper race than those he has been contesting.

The market has latched on to Vaguely Royal, who won convincingly at Chester last time. He is well treated on his old form and William Buick is an eye-catching booking, but the Chester race was small and tactically favourable, so he may be shorter than his recent form strictly warrants.

Tarbat Ness also arrives after a wide-margin win, having bolted up at Carlisle. That was a career-best effort, but everything fell into place against weaker opposition and he now has to confirm that form from a 5 lb higher mark.

Trojan Sun is solid rather than spectacular and should again run his race after finishing third over this course and distance. Midnight Rumble is less frequent in the winners’ enclosure, but his recent form is dependable and he looks overpriced at around 20-1.

Of the others, Venezuelan could improve for the return to a more galloping track, while Newport is interesting back on the Flat over a longer trip after some good efforts over hurdles.

Verdict

Talismans Time has the strongest recent piece of form and may still have more to offer, but Midnight Rumble makes most appeal at the prices.

Selection: Talismans Time
Value alternative: Midnight Rumble
Danger: Rogue Empire