This staying handicap offers a valuable prize and usually serves as a platform for progressive types on the rise in the staying division. A 20-runner field ensures a competitive renewal. Pace-wise, an even gallop is forecast, with several known front-runners – including Savrola, Dreams Adozen, and Midnight Lion – likely to go forward. Draws appear neutral, with no clear bias over this marathon trip on Tapeta.


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Contenders and Race Analysis

Contacto (TFR 98, 7/10) – Well-regarded by Timeform and flagged as a “Horse in Focus”. Made a sound return when fourth at Goodwood, staying on late. Represents a top stable in form and is lightly raced for a stayer. Tactically versatile, but a hold-up style means he’ll need luck in running in this big field.

Godsend (96+, 6.5/10) – Landed a 4-timer on turf but switches back to AW, where he was last seen running poorly at Southwell. Has the class to figure but unproven on Tapeta and may need to prove effectiveness under these conditions. Still, from the Prescott yard, respect is due.

Savrola (101, 7.5/10) – Strong profile. Will likely race prominently or lead, which suits the even pace scenario. He’s held form well this season, and his yard has a notable profit record when sending a sole runner to a flat meeting. The step back up in trip is likely a plus.

Gibside (95, 7/10) – Very consistent and has gone well here in the past. However, he’s another who tends to be held up, and in an evenly run race that could mean he’s playing catch-up. Still, his stamina and tough profile make him a reliable contender.

Artisan Dancer (95, 6.5/10) – Holding his form well and effective on AW. Often staying on late, he’s another who needs a strong pace, but Jamie Spencer is a positive for these types. Has a win at Ripon this season and good efforts in deeper races.

Tryfan (92, 6/10) – Got back to winning ways at Salisbury last time under a positive ride. Unproven at two miles, but shapes as though he’ll stay. The Charlton yard is in good order and this lightly-raced gelding could still be improving.

Humble Spark (95, 6.5/10) – A dual course winner who comes here off the back of a good second at Haydock. He finishes off his races strongly and enjoys this surface. Slight pace concern, but he’s well suited to Newcastle’s long straight.

Sheradann (97, 6.5/10) – Stepped forward to run third in a solid race at Goodwood. Has been gradually coming back to form and the Ian Williams yard is capable with staying types. Another who may need things to fall right.

Caprelo (95, 6/10) – Blinkers worked at Kempton last time when overcoming trouble to win. Handles AW and stays well. Still relatively lightly raced and possibly well treated with further improvement to come.

Dreams Adozen (97, 6/10) – Typically races prominently and has solid Tapeta form. His stamina has been tested, but he weakened late last time at Chester. Not dismissed given previous effort here in January when successful.

Hardy Bloke (95, 5.5/10) – Landed a decent pot at Southwell last time but this is a deeper race. Has needed headgear to focus and was off 6 months prior. Needs to step up again but arrives in form.

Weddell Sea (95, 5.5/10) – Second to Godsend last time, though the bare form may flatter. Stays well and handles Tapeta. His trainer has a good strike rate when sending one runner to a meeting.


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Others:
Midnight Lion, Letsbefrank, Zimmerman, Vaguely Royal, Churchella, Jack McNamara, and Alnayef either have form or stamina queries or have shown little in recent starts. Clansman is a non-runner.


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Ratings Out of 10 (Suitability to Track, Trip, and Surface)

Contacto – 7

Savrola – 7.5

Godsend – 6.5

Gibside – 7

Artisan Dancer – 6.5

Tryfan – 6

Humble Spark – 6.5

Sheradann – 6.5

Caprelo – 6

Dreams Adozen – 6

Hardy Bloke – 5.5

Weddell Sea – 5.5

Others – 4–5 or lower



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Private Tissue Estimate (Top 6 Market)

1. Contacto – 11/2


2. Savrola – 6/1


3. Gibside – 13/2


4. Godsend – 7/1


5. Humble Spark – 10/1


6. Artisan Dancer – 11/1
(E/W playable terms on 8+ runners)




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Summary
A typically open Vase, with the pace likely to suit front or near-front runners. Savrola could get a soft lead and make all if others don’t press. Contacto brings class and upside but will need things to fall right from off the pace. Gibside and Humble Spark are honest and likely to be thereabouts if they can work into it late. Watch the market for Caprelo and Tryfan, who both profile as improvers but must prove stamina.


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Smart Play

Win bet – Contacto (looks progressive, strong on sectionals, high Timeform rating, promising staying profile).

Each-Way saver – Savrola (could control the race from the front, suited by conditions and solid course form).