We’ve got a total of EIGHT races coming from picturesque Brighton on Thursday afternoon, 13.35 – 17.40.

Hollie Doyle and Tom Marquand are among the top jocks in action, and the field sizes are very respectable.

14.45 – Zayina @ 11/4

Regular readers (there’s confidence for you) will know that my admiration for champion apprentice Billy Loughnane knows few bounds. He rides Zayina here, a filly out of a Peintre Celebre mare (he was a brilliant Arc de Triomphe winner), trained by George Boughey, and carrying the famous double green silks of Messrs Munir and Souede.

Boughey is making quite a name for himself, particularly with juveniles, and this one has gone close on both her runs so far – at Beverley, and Pontefract. She raced prominently last time at Ponte and only gave best close home. That’s almost as stiff a track as you could find, and similar tactics here could well produce a winning return.

Billy is just the man to finesse the filly from the front, or indeed from anywhere. His judgement of pace is uncanny. His timing, superb. A rare talent. Huge chance.

15.55 – Chinthurst @ 9/4

I tipped this one up just over a week ago and he ran a corker, just missing out by a neck over this course and distance. Compensation, I hope, could await on Thursday for Chinthurst, with regular jock Charlie Bennett in the plate.

He’s still looking for his first win on what will be his tenth career start, but the 3-yr-old in the care of Epsom handler Jim Boyle is consistent and genuine. His turn is surely close at hand – and what better opportunity than right now.

He hit the line well last time over this ten-furlong trip, and cut in the ground shouldn’t pose a problem for this gelded son of the mighty Nathaniel.