English/Ire
‘He is preferred at the current prices’ - Sam King’s daily wagers
Sam King tipped Castle Stuart (7/2) yesterday and is back with three selections on Wednesday.
Thirsk hosts a fairly competitive afternoon card, although with some potential showers about in the area, it's worth noting that conditions could ease from the current good-to-firm which is described.
Any possible rain would suit Highfield Viking, who looks worth chancing at nearly double-figure odds in the seven-furlong Class 5 handicap at 3.33.
In need of the run after over a year off on his reappearance at Carlisle in May, he took a sizeable step forward when finishing sixth of twelve over this trip at Doncaster just five days ago.
John and Sean Quinn's five-year-old was only beaten a length and three quarters on that occasion and might have finished closer if not suffering interference at an early stage.
His best form on the turf has come with cut in the ground, so any further ease in conditions would bolster his chances.
A 1lb drop in the weights for his latest effort put's him on a mark of 63, 1lb lower than when scoring over course and distance (heavy) last April, while he also ran well of marks of 68 last season.
The Tom Marquand-ridden Arantes Nascimento takes out a good chunk of the market as he drops in class, but he's 0-8 on the turf, and at the current prices, Highfield Viking is preferred.
1pt Win – Highfield Viking
Odds – 9/1
Over at Epsom, the solid Diamondonthehill looks to hold leading claims in the concluding Class 4 seven-furlong handicap at 9.00 this evening.
Trained by Dr Richard Newland and Jamie Insole, the five-time turf winner is yet to face the unique track of Epsom, but he handled Goodwood absolutely fine last time out and looks like an uncomplicated horse.
A generally consistent performer and three-time scorer over seven furlongs, there's plenty to like about his overall profile, while the form of his latest second-place finish can be upgraded given he raced prominently before being collared by a closer in a race that featured a stiff enough headwind.
Drawn on stall two and with little pace on paper, the in-form Kieran Shoemark may have every chance of bossing this off the front end.
This also represents a drop back to Class 4 level and racing off an unchanged mark as when a good runner-up at Goodwood, he looks well-poised to regain the winning thread.
1pt Win – Diamondonthehill
Odds – 11/4
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