RACING returns to Chelmsford on Thursday afternoon for the track’s latest six-race all-weather card, which consists of three handicap races, a novice, a maiden, and a classified stakes race.

Read on for a full preview of and tips for the Chelmsford card, courtesy of Sporting Life.

The action kickstarts with a nursery handicap, run over six furlongs (2.20). Sir Mark Prescott’s Demetrius carries a six-pound penalty after winning at Catterick a couple of weeks ago and, equipped with a visor for the first time here, might be able to reproduce that form, but it’ll be no easy task. The step up in trip from five furlongs looks to be a positive for Alice Haynes’ Filly Foden, while Richard Fahey’s Grey Horizon could be in with a chance of at least a place too.

Next is a two-year-olds’ novice over seven furlongs (2.50). Jamie Osborne’s East India Breeze is a debutant here, and looks quite promising up against quite a weak field, but the other newcomer is Godolphin’s smartly-bred and very expensive Archer Royal, whose trainers are doing very well with this age group on the all-weather. George Boughey’s Armstrong is one of the best with form, but might be up against it alongside these two smart first-timers.

Race three is a three-year-olds’ seven-furlong handicap (3.20). Peter Chapple-Hyam’s Rogue Officer was good over course and distance last time in maiden company, and – more of the sort for handicaps – could come into his own here today. Stuart Williams’ Currahee steps up in trip after finishing a very close second of nine last time out at this track over six furlongs, and should have a chance again, while Moonlight Bomb looks the main danger in first-time blinkers after a good display last time out at Chepstow.

Following is a five-furlong handicap (3.50). Laura Morgan’s Vibrato won last time out on the all-weather at Southwell and seeks to go back-to-back here, which doesn’t look wholly unlikely. Michael Dods’ Imperial Guard has been below his best lately on turf but a return to the all-weather and the addition of first-time blinkers might get him back to his best. If he starts quickly enough, he could be a real player here.

The penultimate race is a mile maiden (4.20). The only newcomer is James Tate’s Pulsar Star, an expensive purchase a yearling with some smart relations, but despite his trainer being in good form, it’s a big ask for him to beat a competitive field as the only debutant. Simon and Ed Crisford’s Estmrar has some very useful form and returns off a break having had wind surgery, so should be in contention, while Lordsbridge Grey has also shown ability in two previous starts, so could be worth a look.

Our finale is a classified stakes race over a mile and two furlongs (4.55). Course and distance winner Star Of St Louis, who won a race like this nicely back in March, made a good start to proceedings after a break for Wayne Lukas last time at Yarmouth and could do well here under Frederick Larson. Aoife’s Thunder also could be in with a chance for Warren Greatrex with Silvestre de Sousa back on board.

Chelmsford selections – Thursday:

2.20 – Filly Foden
2.50 – Archer Royal
3.20 – Moonlight Bomb
3.50 – Imperial Guard
4.20 – Estmrar
4.55 – Star Of St Louis