Veblen Good’s recent form is much stronger than the bare figures suggest. He won at Pontefract in April and has subsequently been competing in stronger sprint handicaps. Two starts ago he finished only one length behind Stratusnine in the Sky Bet Dash at York, and last time at Pontefract he again finished fourth despite having to make his challenge on what appeared to be a less favourable part of the track.

Most importantly, his mark has now eased again. He’s only 1lb above the rating from which he won at Pontefract, despite demonstrating since that he can compete in better races.

Today’s race should also have plenty of early pace, which suits him. Conor Whiteley takes 5lb off, effectively making his weight situation even more attractive.

It isn’t an easy race — Anyasi is a major danger after winning at Leicester and is now around 3/1, while Lord Roxby is a solid 7/1 chance after winning twice this season. But we’re getting 5/1 Veblen Good rather than taking 3/1 about an inexperienced favourite in a 19-runner sprint.

Interestingly, Sporting Life’s Matt Brocklebank has also made Veblen Good his NAP today, independently highlighting essentially the same handicap and pace angles.