Dukes Delight makes his eagerly awaited handicap debut in the 8.30 at Lingfield tonight and gets the max bet treatement at 7/2.
David Lanigan’s charge has been brought along steadily in three maiden runs and was a massive eye-catcher on his latest start when fourth of 11 to Spirit Rider over 1m 1f at Wolverhampton.
Held-up off the pace that day in midfield, he began to make good headway when running very wide on the home turn and then stayed on inside the last under very tender handing to be beaten 2 3/4 lengths.
His rider Ted Durcan seemed at pains not to touch him with ths stick and the horse finished with stacks of running left in him.
It was an effort which immediately marked him down in my book as one to keep firmly on side when going handicapping and his opening mark of 64 looks on the lenient side.
There is little doubt in my mind that he will prove far better than that, and the step back up in trip to 1m 2f in this looks sure to suit.
His handler also has a terrific record with similar types, and with the prosepct on plenty more improvement to come and a good draw in stall 4 he could well prove a cut above his rivals and rates the standout bet of the day.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 10pts win Dukes Delight (7/2 Hills – BOG)