Back-to-back 84-rated runs, including third in his semi, and his trainer Ray Fleming operates at a sharp 33% strike rate. He's climbed from A5 to this level over the past year and holds one win with four places from ten course and distance starts. Honest, in form and well handled — but a 72 average leaves him nineteen points shy of the favourite on the book, and that gap is not made up on trainer craft alone.

As consistent as they come — six straight runs between 66 and 85 at A1-A2 level, second in his semi with an 81 — but the record book is unkind: no wins from eight course and distance starts despite four places, and trap 3 is the coldest box at this grade, winning barely one in eleven. His trainer's runners have also been struggling. A placer's profile in a race with two proper winners in it.

The quiet achiever of the field — two wins from eight course and distance runs, an 86 three starts back, and a 77 average built at A1-A2 level without a trial in sight. He was third in his semi behind the favourite and doesn't obviously improve on that with the same dog to beat. Middle draw is fair at this grade. Solid win claims in an ordinary A2; place claims in this one.

The best measured speed figure in the field and a hardy campaigner at A1-A2 level, with an 82 peak four starts back and second place in his semi last week. But nine course and distance runs without a win — three places — is a telling record for a dog with his pace, and it hints the finishing touch is missing. At a grade where the fastest dog wins one in four, his early dash makes him dangerous in a muddling race; this final doesn't look like being one.