THERE’S more all-weather action at Chelmsford Racecourse this Thursday evening and this week’s card features eight races; five handicaps and three novice races.

Read on for a full preview of the Chelmsford card, courtesy of BOYLE Sports, who provide all the latest horse racing odds.

Our first race is an amateur jockeys’ handicap run over a mile and three quarters (5.00). Mike Murphy’s Further Measure should have a nice chance, running off the same mark as when a respectable fourth of eight last time, but James Fanshawe’s Captain Robert might have a better shot at the bottom of the handicap. This three-year-old has run very well on his last two starts and is at the right end of the weights today.

Next is a six-furlong nursery handicap (5.30). Course and distance winner Far Too Fizzy looks very competitive, down a pound from last time out, while Kuiama, who was only three quarters of a length behind him that day, could get to the front under Cieren Fallon too. With a wide draw to overcome, though, stablemate Mythical Night is worth thinking about, having had a break since last time and is equipped with cheekpieces for her handicap debut.

A seven-furlong two-year-olds’ novice is next (6.00). We have just four runners here, two of which run for Godolphin; Naqada King and Quartermaster. The latter makes his racecourse debut, while the former was second to a very talented-looking Nation’s Hope on his first go over a furlong further at Kempton. He might benefit from the slight step down in trip and can win this today.

Race four is a novice race over 10 furlongs (6.30). Hilal Kobeissi’s Cold Fish is the only first-timer here, and could go well with a five-pound claimer on board, but this won’t be an easy race for him to win. James Tate’s Hot To Hot was a late eyecatcher when debuting and Lingfield and should do better up in trip today, while Gatehouse can get involved too.

A five-furlong handicap follows (7.00). With Diomed Spirit and Alligator Alley both having won their last starts, while Cloud King, Almaty Star and Solvency placed on theirs, this is a competitive race. It is Almaty Star, though, who appears to have the best chance. Drawn in two and kept on the same mark as when a narrow second last time, this course and distance winner can succeed again.

The sixth race is a mile novice (7.30). Machali and Dupont Circle are the new starters here but, with some nice last-start placers in the mix, they’ll have to be pretty good right away to win this. Champagne Powder should be in contention after a place last time, but the already well-exposed Shamacid looks to have a good chance too. Though still a maiden from seven starts, he is upped to a mile for the first time here, which ought to suit him better than six or seven furlongs, and he can win this.

Second to last is a high class mile handicap (8.00). A dual winner for Aidan O’Brien, Serengeti made a good start for Dylan Cunha at Wolverhampton last month and could go well again, topping the weights. Course and distance winner Two Tempting could continue his good strain of form, but Ian Williams’ new recruit Bravais may have an opportunity to take advantage of his steadily reducing mark here.

Last of all is another mile handicap (8.30). Another for Ian Williams, Tonal looks positive under five-pound claiming rider Ryan Kavanagh. This five-year-old is given a chance by the handicapper, being kept on the same mark as when a good second of 14 at Kempton last time. Drawn in one and a consistent, front-running sort, he can win this.

Watch the races live on Racing TV, where you can also find free bets for Cheltenham.

Chelmsford selections – Thursday:

5.00 – Captain Robert
5.30 – Mythical Night
6.00 – Naqada King
6.30 – Hot To Hot
7.00 – Almaty Star
7.30 – Shamacid
8.00 – Bravais
8.30 – Tonal