CHELMSFORD Racecourse presents its latest all-weather meeting on Thursday evening, hosting nine races; seven handicaps, a novice and a maiden.

Read on for a full preview of and tips for the Chelmsford card, courtesy of Boyle Sports, who provide all the latest horse racing betting.

The action starts with a juveniles’ maiden, run over six furlongs (4.00). Denis Quinn’s Rib Shot is the only newcomer of the seven, but he looks the type to keep an eye on for the future, rather than to win today. Ollie Sangster’s Queen Kassi may improve having had a run and steps down to what might be a better trip today. It’s interesting that River Spey is back into maiden company here, having run in a handicap in August, but given that he has failed to in this far suggests going for a less-exposed sort could be the answer. 

Next is a mile and three quarter handicap (4.35). Buxted Reel looks to be a likely contender after being beaten just a short head last time at Southwell, and is starting on the same mark today. This race does look competitive, though, with good recent form and workable marks brought by Rogue Empire and Cardinal Point, who carries the least weight and could prove to be the best of them all in this context. 

A five-furlong nursery handicap follows (5.10). London Is Blue seeks a hat-trick here for Robert Cowell, while Elara May completed one earlier in the season for Philip McBride. Moonlight Mirage could be positive in first-time cheekpieces, while Nifty – who won at this track on her second start – should have a good chance under seven-pound claimer Donagh Murphy.

We have a five-furlong handicap next (5.45). David O’Meara’s Startling looks to have a decent chance here, having won over course and distance two starts ago, a run which he followed up with a decent midfield finish at Newcastle a week ago. Drawn in one, he could win today. Cabeza De Llave went well here last time and has a good chance also, especially given five pounds by Tommie Jakes. 

A novice race follows, run over a mile and a quarter (6.15). Denis Quinn’s Saahir and Charlie Johnston’s Solarize are both technically first-timers, though the latter has had an intended start previously, but refused to load into the stalls. Saahir is nicely bred but was sold cheaply, reportedly in need of gelding. He might do better than the market suggests, having had the operation. He will have to be very good today, though, in order to beat John and Thady Gosden’s Valedictory, who has gone close twice before, but El Rehaiby might have more potential.  

The first division of a seven-furlong handicap is next (6.45). Edward Smyth-Osbourne’s Newsreader has come down to a winnable-looking mark now and could be the one to beat from the innermost draw with Kieran Shoemark on board. George Margarson’s Noble Guest ought to be in with a chance too, but might need to come down the handicap a little to regain winning form. 

In division two (7.15), David O’Meara’s Riot seeks to make it back-to-back wins after a success at Wolverhampton last time, but this doesn’t look overly likely under a hefty penalty. Hilal Kobeissi’s Jungle Land could be very competitive, down to a tempting mark and given five pounds by rider Mason Paetel. This gelding made a good start for the Newmarket trainer last time at Yarmouth and further improvement could now come. 

The penultimate race is a mile fillies’ handicap (7.45). Roger Varian’s Suzuka has placed on each of her three latest starts and looks likely to do so again, but might need to come down the handicap a touch further in order to win. The Gosdens’ Naga is interesting, three pounds down from her first start in a handicap last time at Sandown. 

Finally, we conclude with a mile handicap (8.15). Almizan won his last start at this track over seven furlongs, while Arthur Rose makes a first start for Brian Toomey and could run a good race if the change of scene has done him some good. Pat Phelan’s Cinderella Man, though, looks to have come down to a good mark from which he should be able to win. 

Chelmsford selections – Thursday:

4.00 – Queen Kassi

4.35 – Cardinal Point

5.10 – Nifty

5.45 – Startling

6.15 – El Rehaiby

6.45 – Newsreader

7.15 – Jungle Land 

7.45 – Naga

8.15 – Cinderella Man 
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