'We've got the best in-form jockey in the country' - who's hoping for a big run?

Download Vickers.Bet App Handicap | 6f | 3yo+ | RTV

On the same day last year, Embour narrowly failed to make all in this race and Oso Rapido won over 7f at Musselburgh, but their fortunes have been contrasting since.

The Ruth Carr-trained Embour is winless in eight starts and finds himself 6lb lower, while Roger Fell's Oso Rapido is 12lb higher thanks to a trio of wins, including his sole run over course and distance last month.

Both could have struck lucky with the draw, they're in nine and six respectively, but with a strong pace forecast they may have to be ridden with more restraint than usual.

Embour was drawn on the right side when down the field in the Great St Wilfrid earlier this month but Ventura Express wasn't as fortunate.

Only Summerghand, who beat 16 rivals in a valuable handicap at York on Saturday, had his measure on the unfavoured part of the track and Paul Midgley's runner will likely prove popular.

Spice is added by the Queen's runner Spring Is Sprung, who is Callum Shepherd's only ride on the card, and last year's Coventry third Vintage Clarets who has been gelded since last seen.

Richard Fahey's representative hasn't shown a great deal since sent handicapping in April, but a two-grade drop should help.

Impeller has seemingly developed a dislike of the stalls but a ready win at Doncaster last month shows he can do it when in the mood.
Race analysis by Andrew Cooper

What they say

Paul Midgley, trainer of Ventura Express and Birkenhead
Ventura Express ran brilliantly at Ripon on his last start. He has a good draw and good form around Catterick too. He should run a big race. Birkenhead is in good form. He has a poor draw in stall ten, but we'll see how we go. It's a fact-finding mission but he likes Catterick and should run a solid race.

Roger Fell, trainer of Oso Rapido
It would be nice if he could win. We've got the best in-form jockey in the country at the moment in Jason Hart on him and as long as the ground is on the faster side, he will be okay. He struggles when upped in class, but this should be more of his cup of tea and the track suits him.

Ruth Carr, trainer of Embour
He's good and has run really well at Catterick before. He's back down to an appealing mark and he had excuses at Ripon last time, where he had a moderate draw. He's dropping in class and was second in this last year. I hope he can go one better.

Tim Easterby, trainer of Impeller
He's in good order from his last win at Doncaster and should run well. It was really good to see him win the way he did last time and he's got a good draw in stall three too, which also should be a big help.
Reporting by Matt Rennie

Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.