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BIG field handicaps are either the scourge of some punters or the medium of punting that excites those who like to investigate the form and other factors by going deep into the analysis of such events.

With 29 runners set to go to post, the Victoria Cup (Ascot 2.40) is the first big handicap on the famous straight course this year and once again requires a mix of guile and initiative to find the winner.

Qirat could well start favourite and he comes here unexposed with just the nine runs under his belt. Following a cracking sixth over a mile here in the Britannia Handicap, the son of Showcasing was second in two seven-furlong events, over this course and distance and in a Listed event at Nottingham. He was then aimed at the Balmoral Handicap at the Berkshire track on Champions’ Day, but was balloted out and will arrive at the post today off a mark of 99 following a 219-day break.