Model Rating: 92/100 | Win Probability: 36% | Fair Odds: 7/4 | Available: 2/1 | Grade: A+

Royal County Glory has an obvious opportunity to go one better after an excellent first run for his new connections.

He finished second over six furlongs at Lingfield last week, and importantly the handicapper has left his mark unchanged. He now returns to seven furlongs, the distance over which he recorded his sole Irish victory, so there is a very logical reason to expect another step forward rather than regression.

That latest run also established that he handles Lingfield’s Polytrack, removing one of the usual uncertainties surrounding horses moving between yards or surfaces.

The trip change should help tactically. Six furlongs here can be sharp, whereas over seven he should have a better opportunity to find a comfortable position before the pace lifts off the home turn.

Melodical is respected and should come forward from her recent handicap debut. Credit Forgedd It is another with the ability to feature now dropping back from a mile after racing too freely last time, while Irish Fusilier is less exposed.

But Royal County Glory has the most persuasive combination of recent form, unchanged mark, proven track and a more suitable distance.