Chelmsford tips: Racecard, analysis and preview for the feature staying handicap on Thursday

THE jumping is far from pretty on Thursday so it’s back to the all weather for our ‘Race of the Day’.

Chelmsford, as always, has put up some decent money and the Class 3 Handicap (7.00) over a mile-and-six furlongs looks a betting proposition.

Getty Images - Getty

The attractively-weighted Lord Halifax will probably head the betting for the Charlie Fellowes team.

The penny dropped with him when going into handicap company on the all weather in December when he duly hacked up at Kempton.

But he was then beat at odds-on on his next start a week later and still has a point to prove.

The step up in trip will surely suit him but Fellowes hasn’t been in the winners and this is by far the deepest company he has found himself in yet.

I’m inclined to take him on with the admirable COSMELLI who thrives in races like this.

The seven-year-old looks well-handicapped on old form but hasn’t won since he took home the Northumberland Plate consolation in 2018.

There have been good efforts tucked away since though and 7lbs claimer George Rooke is a jockey to keep an eye on.

These calmer waters provided with a helping hand from the handicapper should see him bounce back with the Gay Kelleway stable in great form.

James Fanshawe is another trainer that has his yard going well and his Lady Bergamot has a chance.

She goes best at the track and is far from weighted out of things.

Envoy is back below a last winning mark but has shown nothing recently. The same applies to outsider Borodin.

Original Choice is interesting with blinkers fitted for the first time and he ran well behind Mildenberger last time.

This trip will suit better but he can be a frustrating horse for punters. David Simcock’s Desert Friend has big stamina doubts.