Won at this grade in June with one of the biggest figures in the field, and his nine course and distance runs include two wins and three placed efforts — the ability is beyond doubt. But he was last of six most recently and his form swings violently from brilliant to blank. If the good version turns up he beats these comfortably; predicting which version arrives is the whole trick, and the recent evidence is discouraging.

Drops back from A2 company where he was competitive without threatening, and his win at this grade in early June came with the single biggest performance figure in this field. Ten course and distance runs give him more local knowledge than anyone. Last time out he was sixth at the higher grade, which the class relief largely excuses — he is very much in the mix if he bounces back, though he has made a habit lately of finding one or two too good.

The fastest best time in the field at 29.00 and a solid body of form against this level and above — six course and distance runs include a win and three placed efforts, so the track holds no fears. But he has not been seen since finishing last at this grade in early June, a five-week absence that asks a fitness question nobody can answer until the traps open. Freshened up and back to his spring self, he is dangerous; the layoff keeps him off the top line.

Strong recent form — a second and before that a win at neighbouring grades in May, with a sharp best time — but every yard of it was earned at other venues: she has never raced at Dundalk. First-time track visits are a genuine unknown even for classy dogs, and she has also been off since the end of May. The ability to win this is real; the evidence she will do it here, first time, after a break, is lacking.