1m, Class 5, 4yo+, Good to Firm

This is a competitive little handicap, but Eutropia sets the standard on recent form and looks the most likely winner.

Adrian Wintle’s filly has improved steadily this season, winning twice in April before finishing runner-up on her last two starts. She was narrowly beaten at Salisbury and again at Epsom eight days ago, with the latest effort suggesting she remains ahead of her current mark. She is already due to rise 3 lb and, provided the race does not become too tactical, she should take plenty of beating.

Kodi Fire returned to form over this course and distance eight days ago, making all and rallying after being headed close home. He is clearly well suited by fast ground and a straight mile, but that victory came by only a narrow margin and he now carries a 5 lb penalty. He is also 2 lb wrong at the weights, so another uncontested lead may be important.

Rating finished just over a length behind Kodi Fire in that race despite meeting trouble in running. She is now 5 lb better off and has a realistic chance of reversing the form, although her modest strike-rate makes her less convincing as a win proposition.

Spirit Of The Bay also merits respect. She did well to finish second at Ffos Las after a poor start and is capable of going close from an unchanged mark if breaking more cleanly. Her recent form suggests she is better treated than several of these.

Last year’s winner Darvel has returned to form with solid efforts at Brighton and Epsom. He was arguably unlucky not to finish closer last time and remains competitive from his current mark, while his course-and-distance record is another positive.

Dapper Gee Gee is consistent, but most of his best form has come over 7f and on easier ground. He is not out of this, though the fast surface and mile trip may leave him vulnerable late on.

Nammos is the outsider but is not completely dismissed. She was beaten only 2 lengths over course and distance last time and remains fairly treated, although she needs a career-best effort to beat the principals.

Verdict

Eutropia has the strongest recent form and still appears well handicapped. Spirit Of The Bay and Darvel may provide the main dangers, while Rating is capable of turning around recent course-and-distance form with Kodi Fire.

Selection: Eutropia
Main danger: Spirit Of The Bay
Each-way alternative: Darvel