A remarkable riser — this time last year he was an A6 dog, and he's since strung together ratings of 78-80 at the top grades including a 79 when second at A0 last month. But he's never run 570, his speed figures are the weakest of those measured, and his best course times over the standard trip trail the leaders. The climb has been admirable; this looks a step too far in class-plus-stamina combined.

Has mixed it in elite invitation company, with a 94 rating four starts back to his name, but his last two runs at that level were rated 49 and 62 — well held both times — and he's another with not a single yard of 570 experience. At the standard trip the box he's drawn is the coldest at this grade. Needs the race to fall apart in front of him.

Won an A3 last month with an 86 and arrives in the form of his life, but this is a savage double jump — up two grades to A0 and out to a trip he's never attempted, with the slowest best times in the field over the standard course. His recent grades are two full levels below tonight's company. The kind of dog who could outrun big odds if the stayers tie up, but everything measurable says outclassed.

The proven stayer of the field — six runs over this course and distance for two wins and three places, a 31.00 clocking last time at the trip, and a 97 rating two starts back at A1 level. His 78 average matches the pick's and his speed figure is second-best here. The knock: at the top grade over the standard trip, wide draws win rarely, and his trip best trails Coolavanny Nora's by more than a length. The most solid, least flashy contender — a big place player at minimum.