Verdict

This looks to be an ultra competitive handicap, but we've narrowed it down to a shortlist of Migration, Katmandu, King's Crest, and Kitski, with the vote just going to King's Crest. Migration has progressed well this year and clearly loves a battle. The form of his second at Doncaster last time looks rock solid and he seems sure to play a part in the finish, although his slight lack of pace at this trip means that he may have to settle for a minor prize once again. Katmandu is a quirky character and has changed stable since finishing second at Ayr last month, but he is still a relatively unexposed five-year-old and if the change of scenery has sharpened him up he would be a danger to all of them here. Kitski was a length behind Karathaena over this course and distance last month but has since won at Towcester and on eight pounds better terms is now fancied to reverse the form with that rival. However, for our selection we return to King's Crest. John Quinn's gelding was a fair middle distance performer on the flat and was coming back from a lengthy absence when a close second to Thoutmosis at Carlisle last month. This extra trip ought to be perfect for him, and in the belief that he will now be at peak fitness King's Crest is taken to land the spoils in this difficult contest.