The most eyecatching runners in Britain and Ireland on Thursday

Watson hoping Yabass can star in late late show

It is rare for a Flat race to be won by 13 lengths but that is just what Yabass achieved at Ripon three weeks ago, so it could be worth waiting for the last race of the day under the lights at Chelmsford to see what he can do next.

The handicapper clearly dismissed the form of the three-year-old son of Lope De Vega's all-the-way romp as he is only 4lb higher in the weights for the Billy Ocean At Ladies Day Handicap (8.50).

That success came over 1m4f but trainer Archie Watson steps him up another two furlongs back on the all-weather, on which he finished runner-up in his previous two races.

Watch Yabass win at Ripon

Watson, who led the all-weather trainers' title for much of the winter before being pipped by Mick Appleby, said: "He is a very nice horse who was impressive at Ripon and he's my best chance of another winner."

That is saying something as the Upper Lambourn trainer also sends two of his winter stalwarts, Captain Lars and Attain, to Lingfield earlier in the afternoon.

Captain Lars has had a break since tying Spare Parts for the winningmost all-weather season's performer with seven wins.

"He's been out in a field and freshened up and this looks a suitable race for him," said Watson about the eight-year-old, who runs in the Best Odds Guaranteed At 188Bet Claiming Stakes (3.30) as he seeks a fifth win since being claimed in February.

Lingfield lover Attain contests the Daily Racing Specials At 188Bet Handicap (2.00), with the nine-year-old looking for a ninth course win.

Watson added: "He's a standing dish at the course. The last day didn't work out for him as they went slow and he was left in front."

Classy fillies in action at Chelmsford

It is almost as if racing is taking a breath before launching into the Guineas weekend and, with soft ground still prevailing, the all-weather continues to be a haven for some who could blossom in the summer.

The toteswinger Two In The First Three Fillies' Handicap (7.50) is a case in point as it features last year's Rockingham winner Rebel Assault giving weight all round for her York Listed achievement.

Richard Hannon reintroduces Mayyasah, who was sixth in the Sweet Solera at Newmarket last summer in just three two-year-old outings.

Hannon said: "She was a little weak last year and she's been given plenty of time. I was pleased with her last run and she's been working well and should have a good chance."

Old General looking to command respect

It is Southwell so it must be General Tufto time again, and the 13-year-old is back in search of his 16th course win having last year suffered his first barren year since 2013.

As a result General Tufto has slipped to a rating of 40, but the teenager has to race from 6lb out of the handicap in the Daily Racing Specials At 188Bet Handicap (2.20) on his 212th career start and 140th on the all-weather.

Insurgence chasing hat-trick for joint-owner Tylicki

Insurgence has provided a heart-warming story in winning his last two races as the Sepoy gelding is jointly owned by his breeder Dr Catherine Wills and Freddy Tylicki.

Wills gave Tylicki shares in three of her horses after he was paralysed in a fall at Kempton 20 months ago, and Insurgence has won both his races over course and distance.

Trainer James Fanshawe sends Insurgence back for the hat-trick bid in the Bet & Watch At 188bet.co.uk Handicap (4.00).

Hareth steps up in trip

Having won at Navan last month on his first Flat start for more than four years, Hareth steps up in distance in the main event at Clonmel, the Quirke UPVC Windows Tipperary Cup (7.30), when he faces nine rivals in this long established stayers' handicap.

The eight-year-old, a three-time winner over hurdles, went up 7lb in the ratings for his Navan success over 1m5f.

Trainer Charles Byrnes said of Chris Hayes's mount: "Hareth is in good form and I'm happy with him. The testing ground and the trip should suit him."

The opposition includes the first two home in last year's race, Rashaan and St Lawrence Gap, who were separated by a head 12 months ago.

The Colin Kidd-trained Rashaan, a versatile performer who numbers a defeat of Apple's Jade among seven victories over hurdles, is returning from a 187-day absence and with last year's winning rider Niall McCullagh again on board.

St Lawrence Gap has seen action more recently having made a successful reappearance at Limerick last month over 1m3f.

His trainer Eoin Doyle said: "He's got more weight than he had when going close in the race a year ago but he came out of his Limerick race well. He's gone up 6lb for the win but, hopefully, he should be there or thereabouts."

Lightly raced five-year-old Aydoun, who represents Dermot Weld, makes his first appearance since August and wears blinkers for the first time, having been tried incheekpieces and with a visor last season.

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