A fascinating five-runner handicap in which the established form of Hot And Cold is pitted against the untapped potential of Cyrano De Bergerac.

Sir Mark Prescott’s Hot And Cold sets the standard on recent evidence. She made a successful handicap debut at Salisbury before going down by only a head in a stronger Class 3 event at Ascot, where she dictated matters for much of the race before being caught close home. Raised to a mark of 81, she remains progressive and today’s step up to 1m2f promises to suit, given her pedigree. She looks sure to give her running once again.

The chief threat is Cyrano De Bergerac, a lightly raced Godolphin colt from the John and Thady Gosden yard. After shaping with promise on his first two starts, he opened his account with a comfortable success in a Nottingham novice. Although that came in a three-runner contest and the bare form requires careful interpretation, he has the profile of a horse capable of improving now entering handicaps from a mark of 81. His ceiling may ultimately prove higher than today’s favourite.

Knightsail is the intriguing outsider. David Menuisier introduces him to handicaps following a gelding operation and the application of a first-time hood. His novice form leaves him with something to find, but his pedigree suggests there is more to come and any sustained market support would be noteworthy.

Blue Noon has run consistently without quite suggesting she has much in hand of the handicapper. She should be competitive for minor honours but may need the principals to disappoint if she is to land the prize.

Roker Roar completes the field. Gelded since his last run and making his handicap debut after a lengthy absence, he is another with scope to improve, though he has the most to prove on the evidence available.

With only five runners, tactics are likely to play an important role. Hot And Cold is the most obvious pace angle and may again attempt to control the race from the front, while Cyrano De Bergerac should be well positioned to challenge turning for home. In a steadily run contest, the ability to quicken could prove decisive.

Private ratings

Horse| Rating
Hot And Cold| 84
Cyrano De Bergerac| 83
Blue Noon| 76
Knightsail| 75
Roker Roar| 71

Verdict: Hot And Cold brings the strongest proven handicap form and is the percentage call, but Cyrano De Bergerac has the greater scope for improvement and is the obvious danger. Knightsail is respected as the potential dark horse, while Blue Noon can again run with credit without quite matching the principals.

Prediction: 1. Hot And Cold 2. Cyrano De Bergerac 3. Knightsail