Chelmsford Tips: Riot could run amok at favourite venue

There are five meetings taking place across Britain on Thursday as racing returns from a one-day blackout and the start of Doncaster’s St Leger meeting takes centre stage. However, there is also a bumper nine-race card scheduled on the all-weather at Chelmsford, where there are plenty of runners and two maidens sandwiched between six handicaps.

Racing starts with a two-year-old novice event at 13:25 and concludes with a one-mile handicap at 17:50. To enjoy the action, we have three selections from the Essex venue. Below you can find my Chelmsford Tips. 

14:35 - Cabeza De Llave each-way @ 11/2 

This five-furlong handicap should be run at a strong gallop with course lovers

Sir Rodneyredblood and Dark Side Prince among those set to force it, which could tee it up nicely for Cabeza De Llave.

A wide draw is not ideal over the minimum trip at Chelmsford, but that means that talented 5Ib claimer Tommie Jakes can drop in and take cover, which may not be a bad ploy given the forecast pace in the line-up.

Michael Attwater’s charge is a dual winner over this course and distance - he defied a 3Ib higher mark over these conditions this time last year - and he is effectively running off a winning mark, having been first past the post in a void race at Windsor just over three weeks ago.

The six-year-old has been out of the placings only three times in his last eight visits to Chelmsford and he is expected to be finishing stronger than most.

15:10 - Wrath Of Hector each-way @ 11/2

Another burn-up could be on the cards in the six-furlong handicap at 15:10 and that should play to the strengths of Wrath Of Hector, who is dangerously well-treated if sparking a revival.

Five of the 11 runners in this contest are racing from out of the handicap, so it may not be as competitive as it looks and Wrath Of Hector, who has won off 15Ib higher in the past, should get a nice toe into the race from stall two.

Jessica Macey’s charge was a staying-on third in a Classified Stakes over course and distance three weeks ago and the gelding’s proven form over further could be advantageous were they to go too quick, making him of each-way interest.

16:20 - Riot each-way @ 8/1

Riot is a difficult horse to catch right - his winless run stretches to 19 - but he is used to mixing it in better company than this and a return to Chelmsford could see him get back on track.

David O’Meara’s eight-year-old boasts plenty of strong course form, having twice won over this 7f distance at Chelmsford from marks in the 80s, so he is weighted to go well off his current rating of 73.

It was only five runs back that Riot was second to Commander Of Life off 76 in a stronger race at Doncaster and, if the gaps open up for this hold-up performer, then he should be going close for his in-form stable.

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