THERE’S more all-weather action at Chelmsford Racecourse this Thursday evening, with seven races on the card, including a novice, a classified stakes and five handicap.
Up first we have a five-furlong handicap (5.00). This could be a competitive affair with some good form on show amongst the 12 runners. He’s An Angel won his latest start and carries a five-pound penalty, while five of the other placed on their latest runs. Second Collection could go well but has a tricky draw to overcome, while Top Star could be worth watching, returning from a lengthy lay off today. 10-year-old veteran The Defiant could have a chance here.
Race two is a six-furlong fillies’ novice (5.30). Stuart Williams’ Militzie is the only newcomer here, debuting for an in-form yard but probably bred to find this trip too sharp. Stablemate Alalida looks more convincing under a five-pound claimer. Jack Channon’s four-year-old Seven Fires showed some ability on debut behind the useful Lazzar, but gives a lot of weight to the three-year-olds here, lessening her chances.
The third race is a six-furlong classified stakes race (6.00). Dubai Magic won over course and distance last time out from the same draw and with trainer Matt Crawley’s horses holding their form well, she makes plenty of appeal. Just behind her that day was Poetic Jack, who overcame a wide draw on that occasion and could find it easier this time.
Next is a six-furlong handicap (6.30). Course and distance winner Intervention is given a chance by the employ of claiming rider Mason Paetel. Representing Mick Appleby’s yard, which is seeing plenty of winners this winter, he could run a big race, but needs to improve on his latest two starts. Aberama Gold is a consistent sort who can go close, Media Shooter is now handicapped to a winnable mark but has lately proved unreliable. The winner could be Stanley Spencer, whose mark is competitive enough here.
Race five is a seven-furlong handicap (7.00). Conrad Allen’s Edergole’s Gift is interesting given five pounds by rider Ryan Kavanagh, having been a close second last time at Lingfield. Potters Prince looks good on handicap debut, having been out of his depth in novice company, but put up some decent performances considering.
The penultimate race is a two-mile handicap (7.30). Taranjerine and Rogue Justice both placed on their latest start, with the latter looking to benefit from stepping up in trip here having had a break since September. If fit and ready, he could continue trainer Jack Jones’ good recent form. Arenas Del Tiempo could have an each-way chance, but Taranjerine is likely to be a main contender.
Last of all is a mile handicap (8.00). The Middleham Park-owned pair Lexington Jet and Gennadius both won their latest starts, the latter having done so in a maiden, and the former now ridden by a claiming rider to counteract his resulting rise in the weights. Gennadius is a consistent sort, though, whose latest start was so good, carrying more weight, that he could be due another good performance.
Chelmsford selections – Thursday:
5.00 – The Defiant
5.30 – Alalida
6.00 – Poetic Jack
6.30 – Stanley Spencer
7.00 – Potters Prince
7.30 – Taranjerine
8.00 – Gennadius
