Date: Tuesday 10th February 2026
Race: 6.15 Newcastle (1m Handicap, Class 5)
If you’re looking for a bet on Tuesday night’s card at Gosforth Park, stop scrolling at the 6:15. On paper, this looks like a standard Class 5 handicap. In reality, the pace map is flashing red, and that creates a massive opportunity to take on the market leaders.
Here is the no-nonsense breakdown.
The Pace Scenario: Fast and Furious
This race is going to be run at a clip. We have three genuine front-runners who don’t know how to do anything else:
Tasever (7): Run comments like “clear leader at fast pace” tell you everything. He goes hard.
Packetofbiscuits (6): Led in 7 of his last 10 starts. He won’t let Tasever have it easy.
Francesi (3): The likely favourite. He’s in form, but he likes to be prominent. From Stall 3, he’ll be forced to use gas early to hold his position against the inside rail.
The Result? A burn-up. The leaders will likely soften each other up by the 2-furlong pole, leaving them vulnerable to anything sitting quietly off the pace.
The Trap: Francesi (3)
The market will love Francesi. He’s consistent (form: 1331122), and Myla Coppins takes a valuable 7lbs off. But he’s carrying a lot of lead (9-7 net) into a race where he won’t get an easy lead. He’s been busy this winter, and this high-pressure mile might just find him out in the final 110 yards. He’s a “lay” for me at short odds.
The Selection: Wyvern (10)
This race is perfectly set up for Wyvern.
The Tactics: He is a dedicated hold-up horse. Look at his comments: “held up in rear,” “stayed on strongly.” While the front three are cutting each other’s throats, he’ll be sitting chilly in rear.
The Weight: He is effectively carrying a featherweight 8-5 with C. Horgan’s 5lb claim. That is a massive 16lb pull from the top weight.
The Trip: He loves the straight mile here. If the pace collapses as expected, he is the one horse guaranteed to be finishing fastest.
The Danger: Pink Socks (9)
Pink Socks is the sensible alternative. She has won 3 of her last 4 and sits in that perfect “midfield” spot—not involved in the early war, but close enough to strike. If Wyvern gets traffic problems, she picks up the pieces.
The “If” Horse: Chuzzlewit (2)
Chuzzlewit is the class act, dropping from Class 3/4 company to a Class 5. He’s won off marks in the 80s; today he runs off 69. The only negative is the 199-day layoff. If the market speaks for him, respect it, but he’s a risky proposition straight off a break.
The Verdict
WYVERN (10) – (WIN) The race shape is perfect for him. Sit back, wait for the leaders to crack, and swoop late.
Pink Socks (9) – (Each Way) The solid, in-form danger.
Francesi (3) – Likely to be involved but vulnerable late on.
Recommendation: Back WYVERN to win. The pace meltdown is coming—be on the horse that benefits from it.