Reports last week suggested jockeys, who had been asked to examine the track, were pleased with the surface at Chelmsford which has been waxed since the last meeting. The old surface was widely criticised for having too much kickback since the course at (formerly Great Leighs) reopened earlier in the year, but the racecourse executive are optimistic the tapeta has just taken time to bed in and are hopeful that the feedback this evening will be favourable.
Duke Street (9.20) has won two of his last three starts, both at Wolverhampton, since being stepped up in trip and he can make it three out of four stepped up to 2m for the first time. Silvestre de Sousa takes the ride for the first time and he looks a typical Mark Johnston improver and it will be no surprise if de Sousa tries to make all.
There is a valuable 6f juvenile maiden on the card and the vote goes to the Godolphin newcomer Mansfield (6.40) who cost £130,000 as a foal and holds entries in a couple of valuable sales' races later in the year.
At Ffos Las Time Warp (2.00) has been expensive to follow for Sir Mark Prescott but the step up to 7f for the first time should see him in a better light and he is taken to break his duck at the fourth time of asking. Brian Meehan's Jimenez is another who was a beaten favourite last time when well supported at Doncaster over today's trip but the vote goes to the Newmarket r aider.
War Strike (4.00) can get off the mark for William Haggas having made a bold bid from the front in his last two starts including when runner up at Carlisle last time over their extended seven furlongs. Jim Crowley is the fourth different jockey in four stars.
At Ballinrobe there is a fascinating three-runner event and I like the booking of Barry Geraghty for Vercingetorix who has finished runner up in his last three starts but ran well at Down Royal last time. The selection receives 7lbs from Willie Mullins' Aminabad who has yet to fulfil the potential he showed in bumpers despite winning at Wexford back in November; significant rain would be a positive for Ruby Walsh's mount.
Elliot can double up with the progressive Mustadrik (7.55) in the feature valuable handicap hurdle. The selection is 12lbs higher than when scoring at Kilbeggan last time but has subsequently won on the level and his leading conditional jockey takes his weight down to 9st 6lbs. He is a most progressive young hurdler but this is, by far, his toughest task with any number of dangers including the consistent Feel The Air who has suggested this step up in trip will suit.
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