3 minute read

Sam King brings you two selections on Tuesday, including a horse who could be set to defend his crown of race claimed twelve months ago…

Twelfth Knight – Ripon 4.00

Plenty look to have live chances in the six-furlong Class 4 handicap at Ripon (4.00) this afternoon, but it's Twelfth Knight that stands out at the current prices.

A winner of this contest twelve months ago, Paul Midgley's sprinter earned his highest Racing Post Rating since, when finishing third behind the unexposed Kings Merchant and course specialist Fortamour over track and trip last time.

This represents a drop in grade and off a 6lb lower mark than when winning this last year, the five-year-old son of Haatef can retain his crown.

Odds – 9/2

We head to Lingfield for our second selection and The Defiant could prove tough to peg back in the closing five-furlong Class 6 handicap on the all-weather.

The Luke Dace-trained speedster shaped better than the bare result when sixth of seven in stronger company at Goodwood last time and given his last six wins have come on the all-weather, the return to this surface looks sure to suit.

He hasn't run over this course and distance since finishing second off a mark of 67 back in April with the winner that day being Star Of Lady M, who blitzed her rivals in a Class 2 handicap at the Ebor meeting a few days ago.

With the field down to just four there's little doubt The Defiant will get his own way out in front and he can make the most of this good opportunity off a falling mark.

Odds – 9/4