THE race-fit Tres Coronas could go well at a decent price in the Investec Property Investments City And Suburban Stakes at Epsom.

David Barron's inmate does not appear to have too much going for him on the back of two seemingly subdued displays this year.

Dig a little deeper than a mere glance at the formbook, though, and the case for the defence looks a little more compelling.

Tres Coronas began the year in the Lincoln trial at Wolverhampton, where he suffered a troubled gallop to the line to take ninth spot, but beaten under five lengths.

He was then sent on his way a 16-1 chance for the Lincoln itself at Doncaster, where, despite having to be switched out wide inside the final furlong, he made encouraging late gains.

Tres Coronas got to within five and a half lengths of the winner, Ocean Tempest, which actually rates as a pretty sound effort give the manner in which the field was strung out on Town Moor.

Although the general consensus is that the seven-year-old has a fondness for soft ground, it should be remembered that he finished third in the Cambridgeshire last term when Newmarket was riding very quick.

Tres Coronas is allowed to race at Epsom off just a 2lb higher mark than in the Cambridgeshire, with this step back up to a mile and a quarter also viewed upon as a significant plus.

Alan Swinbank thinks the world of Dark Ruler, who can continue to progress over middle distances in the Investec Great Metropolitan Handicap.

Runner-up in a very hot race at Thirsk a week and a half ago, it is reassuring his wise trainer has continued to give him the chance to shine over a mile and a half.

It would also be rather surprising if he did not end up being far better than a revised mark of 83 might suggest.

Captain Brown can atone for a cruel last-fence fall at Kelso by claiming the mcbookie.com Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Hurdle at Perth.