A small but intriguing field of five goes to post for this staying handicap, with the progressive Tupero looking to complete a hat-trick after back-to-back victories at Redcar and Nottingham.

David O’Meara’s four-year-old has improved with every start since stepping into handicaps and arrives on the back of two authoritative successes over this trip. His latest win at Nottingham suggested there is still more to come, and although he is now 4lb higher, he remains lightly raced over staying distances and sets the standard on current form. His tactical versatility is another asset in what could become a steadily run contest.

The chief threat appears to be Gaelic Approach, whose profile is more complicated. Charlie Johnston’s three-year-old won handicaps at Leicester and Redcar earlier in the season before disappointing on his last two starts. Those defeats came in stronger Class 4 company, however, and he now drops back into a Class 5. A habitual front-runner, he could prove dangerous if allowed an uncontested lead around this sharp track.

Veteran Gibside is the interesting outsider. A multiple winner who has scored in races considerably stronger than this, he has slipped to a workable mark after a below-par campaign. His third at Catterick in June showed enough ability remains, but he needs to bounce back from a disappointing York effort and may require a stronger gallop than he is likely to receive.

Twilight Safari is still searching for a first career success after 12 starts but has shown modest improvement since returning to the Flat over staying trips. Recent efforts suggest he is becoming competitive from his reduced mark, although he still has several pounds to find with the principals.

The least exposed runner is Port George, who returns from an absence of almost a year. His pedigree suggests this longer trip could suit, but his form offers little solid evidence that he is capable of making an immediate impact after such a lengthy break.

Verdict

The race lacks depth but contains three runners with realistic winning claims. Tupero is the percentage call, arriving as the only horse in the field with clear upward momentum and a profile that suggests further improvement. Gaelic Approach rates the principal danger if able to dictate the pace, while Gibside is respected on historical form but has questions to answer after a series of below-par efforts this season.

Predicted finishing order

1. Tupero
2. Gaelic Approach
3. Gibside
4. Twilight Safari
5. Port George