THE all-weather action at Chelmsford Racecourse continues this week with a six-race meeting on Thursday evening. 

The card kicks off at 6.25pm with a maiden stakes in class five before coming to a close at 8.55pm as nine runners take on the class four handicap over the mile and a quarter trip. 

Read below for a full preview of the Chelmsford card plus tips for each race courtesy of Punters Lounge, who offer the latest horse racing betting.

The card kicks off at 6.25 with a seven furlong maiden stakes in class five. The George Boughey-trained Inns Of Fear looks the way to go in the opener, setting a clear standard off the back of a good second of eight in a Newcastle maiden 33 days ago and this looks a good opportunity to open his account. Key Witness rates the next best, having offered something to work on when finishing sixth at Lingfield on debut and should progress from that run 27 days ago. 

A field of nine will take on the seven furlong handicap in class five to mark the second race of the evening in Essex (6.55). Rich Rhythm was unlucky not to follow up his Southwell win two starts back at the same track when last seen so has been given a chance by the handicapper to get back to winning ways at Chelmsford for trainer Harriet Bethell. Dual course and distance winner Nammos rates the main danger, fourth of eight when last seen at this track three weeks ago but should strip well for that run.

Race three of the evening is a class six handicap for horses aged four and older, held over the seven furlong trip (7.25) and preference heads the way of Triggered for the David Loughnane team, who has talented jockey son Billy booked to ride, a previous course and distance winner and a good second over course and distance just six days ago and should go close again off the same racing mark. 

Eight runners head to post for the fifth race on the card at 7.55, a mile and a six furlongs handicap in class six and course winner Smokey Malone looks the way to go in this one, a very good second at this track 56 days ago and is off an unchanged mark so can go one spot better. The chief threat comes from in-form maiden National Health, yet to win but is getting closer and closer with each attempt having hit the framer in five of his last six starts. 

Hala Jozer produced a career-best outing when runner-up at Lingfield a fortnight ago and is backed to go one better in the penultimate race of the night at Chelmsford on Thursday (8.25) at the expense of Woodhay Whisper, who was just over a length behind the selection that race at Lingfield. 

Finally, the card comes to a close at 8.55 with a class four handicap contest over the mile and a quarter trip and of the nine runners set to line up at the start, the Harry Charlton-trained Always A Star is backed to get the win off the back of two successive thirds in his last two spins. 

Chelmsford selections – Thursday

6.25 – Inns Of Fear

6.55 – Rich Rhythm

7.25 – Triggered

7.55 – Smokey Malone

8.25 – Hala Jozer

8.55 – Always A Star