Stables in form and a course specialist - key punting pointers for Thursday

There are four meetings on Thursday at Southwell, Wincanton, Fakenham and Chelmsford. Here are statistics from those tracks which could help your punting . . .

Southwell

Charlie Hills has sent out five winners from his eight runners in the past fortnight and his only entry today comes at Southwell. Backing his horses blind at the track in the last five seasons would have yielded a level-stakes profit of £49.05, which makes Alaskan one to note in the card’s 6f handicap (4.35).

This Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds-owned three-year-old showed little in three races on turf last season, but he’s been gelded and received wind surgery since his last run in October.

Alaskan is 4lb wrong at the weights on handicap debut but his classy pedigree — brother to Group-placed Fixette — hints that he could prove a good deal better than this level.

Alaskan06:21 Southwell (A.W)

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Jky: Tnr:

Wincanton

Chris Gordon has trained three winners from his last five runners, including 25-1 outsider My Ticketyboo. The yard has been profitable to follow when sending horses to Wincanton in the last five years, with their 22 per cent strike-rate producing a level-stakes profit of £27.33.

He has two runners on Thursday’s card, with Sami Bear rated his best chance in the opening 2m4f handicap hurdle (1.30).

This gelding has held his form since returning from a break, finishing a two-length second over course and distance last time out. Sami Bear has received a 2lb rise for that effort, but jockey Freddie Gordon keeps the partnership intact and he’s profitable to follow (£8.33 to level-stakes) when riding for father Chris over jumps.

Sami Bear06:21 Wincanton

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Jky: Tnr:

Fakenham

Stuart Edmunds is a trainer to follow when sending horses to Fakenham. He has had 15 winners from his 49 runners at the course in the last five years and that 31 per cent strike-rate has yielded a level-stakes profit of £45.78.

His only entry on Thursday’s card is Doireann in the 2m7½f mares’ handicap hurdle (2.40).

She has had nine starts under rules without breaking her maiden tag but came close when a three-quarter length second over course and distance in November. Although disappointing at Plumpton last month, first-time cheekpieces are now applied and the return to Fakenham should suit.

Doireann06:21 Fakenham

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Jky: Tnr:

Chelmsford

Simon Pearce has sent out nine winners from 36 runners at Chelmsford in the past five seasons for a 25 per cent strike-rate. Backing his horses blind at the track during that same period would have brought about a level-stakes profit of £47.88.

The Newmarket trainer’s only runner on Thursday is Storm Catcher, who takes part in the 1m2f handicap (8.00).

This five-year-old comes into the race seeking a course-and-distance hat-trick following wins either side of the new year. Raised just 3lb for a dead-heat last time, he carries topweight in this 0-80 handicap but given that four of his five rivals are rated in the 60s this doesn’t look the strongest of races.

Storm Catcher06:21 Chelmsford (A.W)

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Jky: Tnr:

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