Dark Castle had been running well prior to disappointing last time out and looks overpriced at 16/1 in the 3.50 at Thirsk today.
Micky Hammond’s charge is a consistent sort who last scored when landing a class 3 contest over 6f at Pontefract 13 months ago when running on strongly to beat Links Drive Lady by 1/2 a length on fast ground off a mark of 80.
He went to to finish a creditable fourth to Sirius Prospect in a class 2 contest at York off 84, and also finished a good third to Elusive Flame at Newamrket off the same mark.
The five-year-old now gets into this class 3 affair off 83, just 3lb higher than when last successful, having shaped well in three runs prior to disappointing last time out at Pontefract
He got beat just a neck by Highland Acclaim in the first of those in a competitive 18-runner handicap at York, and backed that up with a solid fourth to Greeb at Doncaster off 85 before finishing third at Catterick behind Lady Frances.
Although he didn’t fire last time up at Pontefract, Dark Castle is better than that and is more than capable of running a huge race in this on the pick of his form.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Dark Castle (16/1 bet365, BetVictor, Ladbrokes, Sky Bet – BOG)