Horse racing tips: 3 top picks for Chelmsford on Thursday

Nap

Reehaam – 16:25 Chelmsford

John Gosden saddles a couple of interesting types here and, while he can get first-time-out winning juveniles, they do invariably come on for the first run. Therefore, Ascot fourth Reehaam is a confident selection to prove too strong for stablemate Thebian.

Reehaam is the only filly in the line-up, but she shaped with plenty of promise in a minor event at Ascot earlier in the season which has worked out really well, showcasing plenty of ability despite being found wanting for know-how.

Admittedly, it is a slight concern we haven’t seen her since, but she is a strong filly who is very much bred to act on this surface, and is strongly fancied to come out on top.

Next best

Kasbaan – 17:55 Chelmsford

Kasbaan made a positive start for new connections when winning a handicap at Kempton in September and following up under a penalty over the same C&D four days later, proving himself well ahead of his mark.

He was well found in the market again when only fourth in an optional claimer back at Kempton, but is best not judged too harshly on that run, caught three-wide and racing freely, before being forced even wider still entering the straight.

Kasbaan has been given a little break since, and will remain of interest from this sort of mark on the all-weather, his record on synthetic surfaces a positive one, and the return to a mile and a quarter won’t be an issue.

Each way

Sir Oliver – 16:55 Chelmsford

Sir Oliver produced one of the most eye-catching qualifying runs of the season when third at Wolverhampton in September, and he wasn’t seen to best effect returned to turf at Newmarket last time, the step up to 7f seemingly working against him.

He refused to settle on that occasion, too, which didn’t help his cause, but the drop back to six furlongs, return to the all-weather and fitting of first-time blinkers could work the oracle. It is worth remembering that Sir Oliver is a brother to the dual Nunthorpe winner Mecca’s Angel, so it will be disappointing if he isn’t able to win races from a mark in the low 70s.