Gowran Park

The most experienced proven performer in this field behind the favourite — three races at the Curragh producing a third and a second, showing it can compete at a decent level. It returns from a six-month break, which is the main question mark, but the consistent placing record sets it apart from most rivals here. The jockey has won 4 from his last 20 rides, which adds a small tick in the right column.

This horse has only raced once, finishing a narrow second at Naas, which is actually a decent foundation — but that was 229 days ago, making this the longest absence in the field. It has also never raced on wet or muddy ground, so today's soft conditions are an unknown on top of the fitness question.

Drew stall 1, which is the best possible position at this course and distance — low draws dominate here. A fourth-place finish on its only race is a reasonable starting point, and trainer J P Murtagh has won 4 from his last 20 runners, putting him among the livelier yards in current form. Soft ground is new to it, but the draw is a genuine edge.

One race in, a sixth-place finish at Limerick, which is modest but not embarrassing for a horse learning the ropes. Sitting in the low draw is a genuine advantage here, where horses drawn between stalls 1 and 6 win far more often than those drawn wider. There is not much form to go on, but the draw at least works in its favour.