Yesterday’s Review
0.5pt e/way Oriental Surprise (97) – The selection was in a decent enough position in tenth place just 3.5 lengths off the lead after the first furlong. I wasn’t happy with jockey Brenton Avdulla (not the first time I have said this) who took a pull and restrained the horse to last 6.75 lengths off the lead after the second sector. That put paid to his chances as although he made up 1.5 lengths on the eventual third to finish in sixth place he was given too much to do. Pilot error.
1pt win Straight To Glory (104) – It was right to take on the short priced favourite Ace Power who was under the cosh early on to go any sort of pace to stay in touch of the leaders. The selection travelled like a dream tracking the two front runners and when given the office inside the final furlong managed to get on top to score by a head on the line. Result 1st 5/2 adv…9/5f SP.
0.75pt e/way Beauty Thunder (101) – A fine ride by the champion jockey to overcome his draw in stall seven and land on the girths of the leader in the two path. He kept finding all the way to the line but found the winner Copartner Fleet a neck too strong near the finish. Result 2nd 10/3 adv…10/3 SP.
Today’s Advice
JUSTCALLMEPETE (6f Hcap) – Tony Carroll has been having another strong All-Weather campaign this season and already has 19 winners on the board in 2026. The Worcesterhire based trainer has revitalised the selection since acquiring the seven-year-old from the James Evans stable last April. The improvement in form didn’t really transpire until the gelding returned to the sand at Wolverhampton back in October but since then the handicapper has had to add 11lbs onto his handicap mark following three consecutive victories. His fourth placed finish last time out over 6f at Lingfield yielded a decent enough (107) timefigure considering he was stepping up in grade to a (0-95) handicap. Completely Random, the winner on the day put in a seriously impressive performance with a (116) timefigure and the selection should appreciate returning to Class 4 company for tonight’s (6.30) Chelmsford.
The handicapper has left him unchanged from a handicap mark of 86 and considering he has been competitive from marks in the low 90’s in the past there should be room for another win or two going forward. Dougie Costello takes the ride again and it should be noted that the combination have been successful the last two times they have visited this course and distance. Stanley Spencer, favourite for tonight’s contest will have his supporters following a solid second place finish behind Baldomero at Southwell last month but it has still to be shown that tonight’s venue is one of his favourite’s.
0.75pt e/way Justcallmepete (5/1 Ladbrokes, Coral, Betfred) 6.30 Chelmsford