This Class 6 staying handicap over 1m6f at Chelmsford does not contain much depth and it looks a good opportunity for Queensland Boy to get his head back in front.
Ian Williams’ gelding comes here off the back of a narrow defeat at Wolverhampton just five days ago where he was beaten only a nose over a similar trip. That performance suggested he is in top form and, importantly, he remains 1lb below his last winning mark. In a race lacking strong recent form, that effort stands out.
The likely race setup should suit him as well. Chelmsford staying races often favour those delivered late, but the pace in this contest looks fairly even and Queensland Boy should get a good tactical position from stall 2. With a 5lb claimer booked, he also carries a very workable weight.
Sea Of Charm demands respect after winning at Lingfield on his return from a break. He has the best HRB rating in the field and clearly retains ability at the age of eight. However, that win came over 12f in a race run to suit and he now steps up in trip in what could be a more tactical contest.
D Day Arvalenreeva has been running consistently since returning to the Flat and stayed on well when third over 2m at Kempton last time. She is reliable at this level but does have a habit of finding one or two too strong.
Mio Amico is the interesting younger horse in the race. The four-year-old won at Lingfield earlier in the year and followed that with a respectable third over course and distance. He is still relatively unexposed at staying trips but will need to improve again to win.
The rest of the field look limited and arrive with plenty to prove.
In a weak race where current form counts for plenty, Queensland Boy makes the most appeal. His latest run strongly hinted that a win is imminent and this looks a suitable opportunity to capitalise.
Selection: Queensland Boy