Musselburgh

The market favourite at the time of writing, and the standout fact in its favour is a close second-place finish — beaten just half a length — right here at Musselburgh last time out, making it the only horse in the field with a placing at this course. The concern is that run came nearly 200 days ago, and returning from such a long break is always a risk, particularly when the horse also had mixed results before that Musselburgh run. Has had wind surgery, which may be the reason for the long absence and could mean it returns in better shape.

The editorial verdict singles out Star Banner as the one to beat, and trainer Charlie Johnston has been one of the most prolific trainers in Britain this season with over 128 winners — any newcomer from that yard deserves respect. This horse has never raced before, so there is no form to study, but the pedigree is built for speed and the market has it as a leading contender on debut. Draw 1 is the lowest in the field, and while low draws haven't historically dominated at this course and distance, it is no disadvantage either.

Only one race in, and that was on different ground conditions to what it faces today — so normal ground is a new question this horse hasn't had to answer yet. The sole run produced a second-place finish, which is a reasonable starting point, and the horse has since had wind surgery, which trainers often use to help a horse breathe more freely and run to a higher level. Very much an unknown quantity, but not without hope.

The least eye-catching record in the field — a single race, finishing fifth, beaten over eight lengths at Thirsk. That is a tough debut to build on, and with no wins or placed finishes to point to, Dream Odyssey looks to need significant improvement to trouble the principals here. The jockey and trainer have worked together nearly 500 times and win roughly 1 in 10 races together, so there is a familiarity there, but this horse needs to find more.