A competitive seven-runner sprint rounds off the Chepstow card, with recent course form likely to prove the strongest guide. Despite being a modest Class 6 handicap on paper, there are three runners arriving in good heart and the tactical battle for the lead could prove decisive.

So Smart looks the one they all have to beat. Grace Harris’s seven-year-old made every yard to win over this course and distance just eight days ago, travelling strongly before pulling clear to score by two lengths. Although officially due to race from a 6lb higher mark in future, he turns out here from the same rating and again benefits from Ryan Kavanagh’s 3lb claim. If allowed an uncontested lead, he has every chance of completing a quick double.

Level Up is the obvious danger. David Evans’ veteran sprinter has been knocking firmly on the door, finishing runner-up on his last three starts, most recently when beaten only a neck at Beverley on Monday. He is remarkably consistent at this level and is almost certain to give another honest account, although his losing run of 16 races suggests he can find one too good.

Stablemate Savannah Smiles should not be overlooked. A three-time course winner, she finished second behind So Smart last week after losing ground when the blindfold was removed late at the start. That mishap probably cost her momentum at a crucial stage, and a cleaner break could see her finish much closer despite meeting the winner on identical terms.

Trafalger is capable of better than he has shown in two disappointing runs this season and now drops into Class 6 company, but he needs to rediscover the promise of last year’s novice form. Son Of Astar has become difficult to predict, mixing one good run with several below-par efforts, while River Edge remains a maiden who needs to improve on what he has shown so far. Sundiata Keita has plenty to prove after a quiet stable debut and looks the outsider of the field.

The race appears likely to revolve around the early pace. So Smart is the natural front-runner and, if he secures an uncontested lead, he could prove difficult to reel in. Level Up’s consistency makes him the biggest threat, while Savannah Smiles has the strongest claims of those looking to overturn last week’s course-and-distance form.

Prediction

1. So Smart
2. Level Up
3. Savannah Smiles
4. Trafalger

Selection: So Smart – well treated under his penalty, proven under today’s conditions and likely to enjoy the run of the race from the front.