Chelmsford Racecourse: Preview and Tips for Thursday’s Seven-Race Meeting

The all-weather action is back at Chelmsford Racecourse this Thursday evening with a seven-race card, consisting of five handicaps, a classified stakes race and a maiden.

Read on for a preview of and tips for the Chelmsford card, brought to you by BOYLE Sports, who provide all the latest horse racing odds. 

Up first is a six-furlong maiden for three to five year olds (5.30). We have two newcomers in the field of 12; Nautical Sky for James Ferguson and Preferred for James Tate. The latter handler tends to do well on the all-weather and his yard in particularly good form at present, so this filly could enter calculations in what is a fairly weak race and she may have an each-way chance at least.

A classified stakes race is next (6.00). This is low-grade race without much promising form on show, but trainer Tony Carroll is in good form on the all-weather this winter, so his inner-most drawn My Genghis looks with thinking about. John Ryan’s World Of Darcy also should have a fair each-way chance given seven pounds by his rider, Donagh Murphy.

Race three is a handicap run over six furlongs (6.30). Mike Murphy’s Analytical Engine was a good second of 10 last time out and is on a workable mark still, so could go well from stall one, while the consistent Roman Emperor should have another fair chance with a seven-pound claiming rider taking the reins again. Smasher is within a pound of his latest winning mark now though, after a good run for 5th of 11 last time out, and has a chance under William Carson.

Next is a mile and three-quarter handicap (7.00). Jim and Suzi Best’s Arenas Del Tiempo is the only recent winner amongst the 10 runners, and looks likely to need to come back down the handicap to win again. Bernard Llewellyn’s Hedonista is interesting having come down three pounds since last time, and Smokey Malone looks very competitive after a break, now a pound below his latest winning mark. 

The fifth race is a five-furlong handicap (7.30). Speed Of Maajid has been consistent on his mark for the last three outings, and could be better positioned in the weights to win today for Robert Cowell, whose horses are holding their form well. With seven-pound claimer Harry Vigors on board, Merrimack ought to be able to run well and pick up at least a place. 

Our penultimate race is a mile handicap (8.00). With just five runners, this is a small but competitive race, with a good amount of promising recent form throughout the card. Oliver Cole’s Champagne Powder won his latest start and looks able to win off today’s mark now back in a handicap. Mick Appleby’s High On Hope is at what should be a winnable mark and is nicely drawn in two. 

Last of all is a handicap run over 10 furlongs (8.30). Noss Mayo is effective over this trip and wears first-time headgear, so could be in with a chance here on a new low mark. Pure Theory looks to have a chance for Stephanie Cassidy, and Beachborough Girl could make the placings too for Juila and Shelley Birkett.

The racing at Chelmsford will be shown live on Racing TV, where you can also find free bets for Cheltenham.

Chelmsford selections – Thursday:

5.30 – Preferred e/w

6.00  – My Genghis

6.30 – Smasher

7.00 – Smokey Malone

7.30 – Speed Of Maajid

8.00 – High On Hope

8.30 – Noss Mayo