Kolonel Kirkup was a big eye-catcher last time out and at 8/1 looks to hold outstanding claims in the 8.00 at Thirsk this evening.
Michael Dods’ gelding shaped well when runner-up on his juvenile debut last year and then came good at the second time of asking when benating Dr Phibs by a head at this track.
He then ran very well on his nusrery debut when runner up to Top Notch Tonto at Ayr off an opening mark of 72 after which he was harshly put up 5lb to a mark of 77 and failed to trouble the judge in his next two starts.
It’s fair to say that he also failed to cut any ice on his first four starts of this season, but his mark has fallen as a result and he put in a much improved effort last time out when 5th of 16 to Look On By over today’s course and distance.
He was held up well off the pace and given far too much to do that day given how the race unfolded but made good late headway and ran on strongly inside the last without being knocked about.
Although beaten 6 3/4 lengths he ran far better than that indicates and now meets the second home Megamunch on 13lb better terms and is also 3lb better off with the third home Rocket Ronnie.
Given how the race panned out that should be enough for him to turn the tables, and having since been dropped 3lb he gets into this off a career-low mark of 64.
That makes him look very well-treated on the pick of his form, and providing he is ridden more positively he has to go close in this from his current mark.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts win Kolonel Kirkup (8/1 bet365 – BOG)
