My picks for Chelmsford Thursday.

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14:10 Chelmsford CityThu 6 Apr 1m Hcap

Calin’s Lad returned to winning ways at Wolverhampton last week and has been successful over 1m in the past, so he merits respect despite carrying a 4lb penalty. Galileo Glass has been close to making a breakthrough on the AW, finishing runner-up at Southwell on penultimate start before narrowly beaten at Lingfield last month. Rhubarb Bikini has been struggling for form, but commonly leads so making the switch back to Chelmsford could unlock the door. Others with a chance include Simply Gorgeous who has fared respectably in two runs since her C&D win in February, and Eagle Eyed Freddie who won at Wolverhampton 12 days ago but has been raised 4lb. Damascus Finish benefited from a canny front-running ride to break his duck at Wolverhampton three weeks ago, but he’s almost certain to face increased competition for the lead and may not be an obvious type to follow up. Compere is still lightly raced but hasn’t shown much in handicaps and has work to do here.

Overall, Calin’s Lad, Galileo Glass, and Rhubarb Bikini look to be the top three horses with the potential to win, with Simply Gorgeous and Eagle Eyed Freddie having a place chance. Damascus Finish and Compere are unlikely to win based on recent form.

14:45 Chelmsford CityThu 6 Apr 7f Nov Stks

Abbadia: Has been struggling to find form and didn’t seem to stay 1m2f in her last start at Lingfield. The return to 7f looks more suitable, but she needs to improve to make an impact.

American Belle: Consistent and sets a fair standard. While she was no match for the winner over C&D in November, it was still a respectable effort behind a horse who is now rated 101. Her newly applied tongue-tie could prove beneficial.

Concon Candy: Showed signs of greenness in her debut at Wolverhampton, where she finished third in a 6f maiden 19 days ago. The extra furlong should suit her, and she’s open to improvement.

Haulfronhobbs: Finished down the field over C&D three weeks ago and now goes in a hood. Safer options elsewhere.

Hildegard: Interesting newcomer and a sister to 6f-7f winner Jimmy Sparks. Market can guide.

Lady D’Ascoyne: Pulled too hard when flopping at Newmarket (7f) last June, but the hood on her AW debut could help her settle.

Narasha: Had a low-key form in 6f maidens at Nottingham and Chepstow last summer, but her absence could be the reason for her poor performance.

Prima Valentina: Andrea Atzeni is a notable jockey booking, and she’s worth checking the market for. She’s the half-sister to useful 2yo 6f winner Risen Sun.

Puntarelle: Consistent in terms of RPRs achieved, and she’s placed on both AW starts. She was second over 1m at Lingfield four weeks ago, and she’s entitled to be in contention based on that form.

Rhythmic Acclaim: Caught the eye when finishing nicely from off the pace on 6f debut at Wolverhampton in October, but she hasn’t been able to build on that at Newcastle. The extra yardage could be helpful, but she has a break to overcome.

Winter Moon: Has enough to prove for her new yard, and she didn’t improve for the fitting of a hood over 1m at Kempton on her final start for Andrew Balding.

Analysis: Puntarelle sets the standard and is consistent, making her a strong contender to win. American Belle is consistent and has the advantage of a newly applied tongue-tie, giving her a strong chance to finish in the top three. Concon Candy showed promise in her debut and is open to improvement, making her a possible contender for a place. Other horses like Prima Valentina and Lady D’Ascoyne are worth monitoring in the market.

15:20 Chelmsford CityThu 6 Apr 7f Hcap

Barging Thru is a prominent racer who won over C&D last time out and has been given a first-time visor instead of cheekpieces for this race. He is up 1lb in the weights but looks to be a big player in this contest.

Letmelivemylife is a triple 7f winner, including winning his penultimate start at this track. He followed up with another career-best performance to win over 7f at Wolverhampton last time out, but has been given a 5lb penalty for that victory and faces a slight rise in grade here. Nonetheless, he looks to be a big player once again.

Poetic Force won at Kempton over 1m on his penultimate start, but was not quite at that level when returning to 9.5f at Wolverhampton last time out. He is back up 4lb in the weights for this return to 7f and will need to find more if he is to win this race.

Revolutionise is a dual C&D winner who has been consistent and is likely to be in contention again from his current mark.

Robjon is a former debut winner over 5.5f for Richard Hannon and has struggled in handicaps since. However, he is now 15lb lower than last year and has been given a first-time hood for his new yard, which could see him improve.

Secret Strength won at Lingfield earlier this year but was only fifth of nine in his latest race, where he needed a stronger gallop. He remains a contender in this race.

Society Lion won over 6f at Wolverhampton last July but has been off the track since finishing third over 6f here last November. His record suggests that he will need this run after the break.

Based on the above comments, Barging Thru, Letmelivemylife, and Revolutionise are the top three horses with potential to win this race. Robjon and Secret Strength also have a chance of being competitive, while Society Lion may need the run after his break.

15:55 Chelmsford CityThu 6 Apr 1m6f Hcap

Choral Work has struggled on both of his AW starts, and although he drops 4lb in weight, he will need to improve significantly to be in the mix for this race.

Crescent Lake has not performed well in two starts for his new trainer, but he is nicely treated and has the stamina to prove now that he’s up in trip. If he comes in for market support, he could be an interesting contender.

Grandee, a former 1m4f Listed winner on turf, has not been able to replicate his success on AW, with only one win in 12 starts over the distance. He does not appear to be a strong contender for this race based on his recent form.

Later Darling is a prominent runner who made virtually all when breaking his duck on his penultimate start and has the potential to handle this longer trip. He finished second at Lingfield (1m4f, Polytrack) last time out and should be in the shake-up.

Murhib is a prolific AW winner, including twice over C&D. He ended his losing run when scoring at Lingfield (2m, Polytrack) last time out but has to prove he can continue to defy his new weight.

Social City is a strong stayer and has won five times on various AW surfaces, but his losing run across both codes is at 20. He is not without market support but has much to prove in this race.

Winklevi has multiple wins on both turf and AW, including over 2m at Lingfield earlier this year. He is in good form and finished second in his last start at Wolverhampton (1¾m) and is a contender with Hollie Doyle doing the steering.

Overall, Winklevi, Later Darling, and Murhib are the top three horses with the potential to win this race, while Crescent Lake could be an interesting outsider if he receives market support.

16:30 Chelmsford CityThu 6 Apr 1m2f Hcap

Angels Roc: Showed a respectable performance when third at Brighton (9.9f, soft) last October, but hasn’t been seen on the track since then. Needs to improve on his previous AW form and his current mark to be in with a chance.

Boasty: Has won twice over C&D, including a very impressive 5 length victory last weekend. Carries a penalty and is up in grade, but has a good chance of winning if he can replicate his previous form.

Kanuhura: Caused a surprise 14 months ago over C&D when 8lb higher. Showed some promise back over C&D last August but has a bit to prove on three starts since undergoing wind surgery last autumn.

Mc’Ted: Has won twice over 1m2f on turf, and has been consistent overall. Needs to find a little more to win his first race on the AW, but is an each-way player.

Mofridge: Won a maiden race in Germany last year and has since had wind surgery. Had a disappointing debut for his current trainer at Lingfield in January and is best watched.

The Bay Warrior: All three career victories have come over C&D, including a career-best performance last time out. Up 2lb but has been consistent of late and should be in the mix.

They Don’t Know: A 19-race maiden, but not completely written off based on a couple of decent performances at C&D and Lingfield last year. Hasn’t shown that level of form in three starts for his new trainer.

Overall, Boasty is the clear standout based on his impressive win last time out. The Bay Warrior is consistent over C&D and could be a good each-way option. Angels Roc and Kanuhura have both shown promise but have a bit to prove, while Mc’Ted and They Don’t Know are both each-way players.

17:05 Chelmsford CityThu 6 Apr 1m2f Hcap

Chester Tonik (FR) is an interesting runner based on his previous performances on this course and handicap debut at Newbury. He raced freely in his latest outing at Lingfield and may prefer the removal of the hood. Corporate Raider (IRE) is a seven-race maiden who showed some promise in his latest outing at Lingfield over this trip and could improve with the application of cheekpieces. Dabbous (IRE) is stepping up in trip for his handicap debut and may appreciate the distance, with cheekpieces added as a positive change.

Smooth Ryder (IRE) showed improvement in his last start at Lingfield, and with the addition of cheekpieces again, he is a strong contender. Dovena’s fifth-place finish at Kempton last time out does not inspire much confidence, but the return to this distance and the hood back on may help. Skyblue Expert and Delightfully Yours (IRE) have yet to impress in their recent outings and will need to improve significantly to be considered contenders.

Overall, Smooth Ryder, Corporate Raider (IRE), and Dabbous (IRE) are the top three horses with the potential to win, while Chester Tonik (FR) and Dovena should also be considered for each-way bets. Skyblue Expert and Delightfully Yours (IRE) are unlikely to win based on their current form.

17:40 Chelmsford CityThu 6 Apr 1m5f Hcap

Abstract (IRE) broke his maiden at Lingfield last month but has struggled to improve since, and his 4lb higher mark makes it difficult for him to succeed on his course debut. Destinado has shown some potential with a win at Wolverhampton and a fourth-place finish at Southwell, but there is no indication that he can stay beyond 1m4f, so others are preferred. Duchess (FR) showed ability in France at about 1m6f but has been disappointing in her subsequent runs, and it is difficult to predict how she will fare for her switch to the AW.

Jeanette May is yet to win on AW, but usually performs well for jockey Hollie Doyle. However, her lack of stamina reserves is a real risk, and she may struggle beyond 1m2f. Liva has been successful over a variety of trips, including a win over 2m at Kempton, but she has been off the track since last summer, so her fitness is uncertain. Pledge of Peace remains a 23-race maiden and was beaten in a classified race at Lingfield last week, making it difficult for him to win this more competitive race.

Reset Button has been mostly consistent on AW this winter and is coming back from wind surgery. Although he drops back in trip after a run down late over 2m, he is a realistic contender. Stormingin made the breakthrough on the AW over 1m2f here in February and showed versatility in terms of trip. He was placed off this mark at Lingfield in his subsequent run and is a realistic contender.

Overall, Reset Button, Stormingin, and Destinado are the top three horses that have the potential to win, with Jeanette May and Liva also in with a chance.

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