Horse racing betting: Easterby to prove he’s Still On Top of his game at Chester
Thursday's Chester card looks really tough, but STILL ON TOP boasts some impressive two-year-old form and can claim his second career victory in the Boodles Diamond Handicap (3.45pm)
A 6/1 winner on debut at Pontefract last August, Tim Easterby’s charge has run well in defeat, including when third to Tasleet in a valuable York Sales race.
An impressive fourth over 6f at Redcar, behind Richard Hannon’s Log Out Island, also bodes well in a race which doesn’t look the strongest.
He was last seen in action at the end of October, finishing less than two lengths behind Ralph Beckett’s Thanksfortellingme.
Beckett’s charge was in the process of grabbing a hat-trick, following up wins at both Epsom and Goodwood with the Pontefract Listed prize.
The yard are back among the winners with Soul Brother (11/1) and See The Sun (16/1) grabbing the stable an across-the-card-double on Saturday.
And David Allan, who was on-board for the horse’s successful debut, will be hoping to steer him to victory once again from what looks a fair mark.
Trainer Ed Dunlop is running at a strike rate just shy of 25 per cent over the last 14 days and he can get the day off to a perfect start in the opener (2.10pm) with DARK RED.
The son of Dark Angel has enjoyed an unbeaten start to the 2016 flat season and looks good value to make it a hat-trick of wins.
Dunlop’s gelding broke his maiden tag first time out this year when securing a one-and-a-half length victory at Chelmsford on the all-weather.
Back on turf, Dark Red followed up at Epsom despite being keen early on and looks set to go close again here with Betway ambassador Silvestre De Sousa in the saddle.
Pointers
Dark Red 2.10pm Chester
Still On Top e/w 3.45pm Chester