Dark Defender shows fine form

RACING: Bastiman hopeful of further success at Hamilton

Rebecca Bastiman is looking for more success from DARK DEFENDER on the behind-closed-doors bumper nine-race card at Hamilton Park today.

All attendees have had to complete a Covid-19 education module and an online health questionnaire, while they will be asked further health questions and have their temperature taken on arrival at the course.

In areas such as the paddock, appropriate PPE – such as face masks – must be worn and social distancing protocols should be observed. There will also be a ready supply of hand sanitiser available.

Dark Defender, formerly trained by Keith Dalgleish, joined his current West Yorkshire trainer after changing hands for £15,000 in the autumn of 2018.

The seven-year-old, who has been raised 4lb for his neck victory at Newmarket a fortnight ago, is set to face 10 rivals in the Stay At Our On-Site Hotel Handicap over six furlongs.

Wetherby-based Bastiman said: “He should come on for that win as he had a good blow afterwards. He had a bit of a blip last season as he suffered with ulcers but he seems in fine form now.

“I’m really looking forward to running him again. Joe Fanning has won on him before and the horse has won at Hamilton so I can’t wait.”

Among the opposition to Dark Defender are DANDYS GOLD for in-form Roger Fell, and GALLOWAY HILL trained by ex-Flat jockey Phillip Makin.

DAWAAWEEN is likely to go off at a short-price as she bids to follow up her recent breakthrough turf success over course and distance for Middleham trainer James Bethell in division one of the Watch Replays On RacingTV.com Handicap.

Ridden again by high-flying Kevin Stott, she shoulders a 5lb penalty for a comprehensive five-win in a fillies only contest last Wednesday.

BROUGHTONS GOLD can complete his hat-trick in the Each Way Extra At Bet365 Handicap at Haydock.

Tom Clover’s three-year-old is unbeaten since being gelded a year ago, following up an autumn novice auction success with a second victory after an eight-month break on handicap debut down to this six-furlong trip at Newbury.