Sometimes, I find a good strategy is to strike a line through each runner I believe won’t be winning, before settling on the most likely winner. AL AASY firmly fits the bill here, as last year’s winner holds the best form – he is a seven-time scorer in Group Three company and is the highest rated in the race. He should sit towards the rear and have too much speed for his rivals – especially if the ground continues to dry out. Stablemate, Candleford, bounced back to form last time but has to prove it at this level, while Arabian Crown would want more rain to fall to be seen to best effect.

The unexposed four-year-old, AERONAUTIC, catches my eye in the 1m6f handicap. He won a 1m5f race, prior to finishing 4th in a Listed event over 1m6f. A subsequent downfield run over 1m2f, on handicap debut, can be ignored (given a sympathetic ride over a trip too short). His following 5th at Royal Ascot was a much improved effort and a reproduction of that run (from the same handicap mark), which offers him a good chance of reaching the frame.

This is a close-knit affair, with little between many of the protagonists on best form. The drying ground will only aid a few of these – notably Term Of Endearment and GOODIE TWO SHOES. The former holds excellent claims, if reproducing her 2nd to Scenic at York. I marginally prefer the latter, who arrives in outstanding form, after notching a hat-trick at Fairyhouse. She beat a subsequent 3rd-placer in Group Two company and is absolutely thriving.

Despite the sprinters edging towards the nearside rail this week, I’m not too worried about those drawn low here. Historically, high draws have the better record, but there is plenty of pace drawn low, which could help. HAMMER THE HAMMER could still be able to yield more improvement, despite being raised 22lb since winning his first handicap in April. He put in another personal best effort when runner-up in a 5f handicap at Royal Ascot. I don’t think we’ve reached the ceiling of his ability yet, and the extra furlong could easily see him compete at this downhill track.

I’m always interested in a class dropper into a handicap for the first time. YAH MO BE THERE could easily have a class edge over his rivals, having competed in the G1 2000 Guineas earlier in the campaign, he ran a fine 5th in the G3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot. That form has received several boosts since and he could be leniently treated from an opening mark of 99.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained Isaac Newton is likely to be a short-priced favourite, after a pleasing 2nd debuting at Curragh. I have no plan of tipping up such a price, in a field of thoroughly unexposed types. One who definitely caught my eye on debut was LION OF ALBA. The Too Darn Hot colt was never in contention after missing the break first-up at Newbury. He showed promise thereafter and was making decent headway at the finish. A rise in trip ought to suit this half-brother of a 7f Group placer, and his owners often target this festival.

Admittedly, the ground will have dried out since soft ground earlier in the week, but ALPHA CRUCIS still holds sounds each-way credentials, even if good ground is present. Course form figures of 3411 gives me the hope of a strong run – especially with Colin Keane a notable jockey booking. Gladius must be on all punting radars, too, having impressed on handicap debut at Sandown. A 7lb rise isn’t excessive.