Ran a 97 two starts back and has been mixing it at A0-A2 level all year with a 78 average, matching the best in this field on figures. His last outing was flatter, finishing fourth in mid-June, and one win from six course and distance runs is a modest return for a dog of his ability. Trap 2 wins 16% at the grade, so the draw is no excuse — he simply needs to reproduce his peak.

A grade-climber who has worked his way up from A4 to A0 company, with a 93 rating and three course and distance wins from ten starts to his name. His last run at this level was a well-beaten sixth, though, and the draw is brutal — trap 4 has won just 4.3% of A0 races here, the coldest box on the card. His proven course craft says respect him; the box says he'll need luck in running he's unlikely to get.

Blew the doors off with a 98 two starts back and has two wins from five course and distance runs, but his last effort was a flat 52 when well held in A2 company, and consistency has never been his strong suit — his recent line reads like a rollercoaster. Trap 5 wins just 6.7% at this grade, which compounds the doubt. The peak makes him dangerous; the pattern makes him hard to trust.

The class act of the race on the book — a field-best 80 average, a perfect 100 two starts back, and two wins with four places from eight course and distance runs, all earned at A0-A2 level. In a fair draw he might be favourite. But trap 6 wins just 8.3% at this grade while the inside boxes hoover up the spoils, and his last run was a beaten fifth. Too good to dismiss, too badly drawn to pick.