THE all-weather action returns to Chelmsford Racecourse on Thursday for another eight-race card, consisting of six handicaps and two novice races.
Read on for a full preview of and tips for the Chelmsford card, courtesy of Boyle Sports, who provide all the latest horse racing betting.
Up first is a two-year-olds’ six-furlong novice (4.45). Richard Fahey’s Thankfully Simmy is the only first-timer amongst the field of nine and has a nice pedigree, but other trainers have a better strike rate with juveniles at present. On that strain, Kevin Philippart De Foy has a solid strike rate with two-year-olds on the all-weather and his Amo Racing-owned Zoiros makes plenty of appeal in first-time blinkers, which could help boost his consistent placing form.
Next we have a three-year-olds’ handicap over six furlongs (5.15). This is a competitive race, with three of the 10 runners having won their last performance; Fiorella Princess, So Sassy and Fan Mail. All having taken a hike in the weights as a result, though, it looks best to side with the likes of Maui Breeze, who could make her current mark work for her, and topweight Zabeel Road, a course and distance winner.
Race three is a nursery handicap over a mile and a quarter (5.45). Nigel Tinkler’s Captain Bruce won his last start at Newcastle over this trip and could be in the mix again, while Dylan Cunha’ new recruit Telfy Boy is of interest having been second over a mile when last seen at Kempton. The John Ryan-trained El Carrusel, though, could oblige stepping up in trip for the first time, equipped with new cheekpieces.
The fourth race is a novice run over a mile and a quarter (6.15). There are just five runners here, but there are a number of prominent connections represented. Solarize runs for Sheikh Hamdan, while Good Old Days carries the Godolphin colours, Participle represents Juddmonte and Surprise Rally runs for Munir and Souede. Good Old Days showed potential on debut over this trip at Ascot, but Goodwood Mogul might prove to be setting the standard here with Oisin Murphy on board. The son of Mohaather has been close over this trip before and could win this under the Champion Jockey, but the potential of Good Old Days – a full sister to Nations Pride – might outweigh his results.
A five-furlong handicap follows (6.45). Topweight Massimo Blue carries a penalty for a win last week at Southwell, and with three races in the space of two weeks, might find this beyond him. Bottom-weight Shalaa Asker has come down the weights significantly this term and now finds himself on a more than winnable mark, having been beaten just half a length over course and distance last time. He could run a big race.
Next we have a mile handicap (7.15). Amo Racing’s Luminoso makes her handicap debut, having shown her best form over a mile in maidens, but Julie Camacho’s Divine Legacy looks a good option in a first-time visor. Typically a consistent horse, he could make at least a place here. Oisin Murphy’s ride, though, looks the one to beat, also in newly applied headgear; Summer Heat for Saeed bin Suroor.
Second to last is a two mile handicap (7.45). Simon Dow’s Jack Langley won over a mile and a half last time out at Lingfield and carries a six-pound penalty as a result, therefore looking unlikely to follow up that success here. Jim Boyle’s Witch Hazel could be capable of winning this, nicely proven to stay the trip now and just might get to the front from stall four.
Lastly, we conclude with a mile handicap (8.15). Mark Usher’s Monks Mead should be down to a winnable mark now after two recent placings, and could go well under Kevin Stott. More favourably drawn, though, is John Ryan’s Chloe’s Courage, who was second last time and might be able to run to place. Charlie Johnston’s Hock Eye The Noo might be the one to beat, however, from a new low mark with some decent course form.
Chelmsford selections – Thursday:
4.45 – Zoiros
5.15 – Zabeel Road
5.45 – El Carrusel
6.15 – Good Old Days
6.45 – Shalaa Asker
7.15 – Summer Heat
7.45 – Witch Hazel
8.15 – Hock Eye The Noo
