Evening racing: three to look out for at Chelmsford

Is this the first non-twilight twilight fixture of the winter? Chelmsford's card today begins at 4.15, four minutes after sunset. Still, it saves waiting around for long after the turf action, and there are some interesting runners to look out for . . .

Grandstand4.15

On the surface, Grandstand is relatively exposed and, if anything, regressive. That does not account for his best run, in which he ran Dirty Rascal (since a nursery winner off 85) to a length at Windsor.

Then there is his profile. Slow starts have marked his last two runs, which provides a fair amount of an excuse. It also largely absolves his all-weather debut. If he can break on terms from the inside stall this time, he can perhaps show the strength of his previous form.

Swift Approval5.15

The feature handicap is still a little weaker than some of the races Swift Approval was contesting in the summer and autumn. His Sandown fourth makes for pleasant reading in this company and, barring a couple of wins at Newmarket, the overwhelming pick of his form has come at sharper tracks.

That is little surprise as Swift Approval is regularly a front-runner. The draw did for him somewhat here last time, which was his second run in as many days anyway, and he is now in stall two. Fresh after eight weeks off, he has plenty in his favour.

Flying Tiger5.45

Better known as the Fred Winter winner of 2017, Flying Tiger has been a little too fizzy for his own good over fences this autumn and now returns to the Flat.

Unlike many successful juvenile hurdlers, he did not start on the level, but his only previous venture came last October, when he finished fifth in the Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot, beaten less than five lengths.

This represents a lesser level of competition and, if it was just over-enthusiasm that has been holding him back, then he should hold strong claims.

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