Tonight's racing: three runners who catch the eye on a cracking Chelmsford card

Chelmsford puts on a not too shabby £57,000 in prize-money for Thursday night's action and as a result there are some competitive fields among a seven-race card. The action starts at 5.45 and here are three runners to watch out for . . .

Best Blue (6.45)

Bill and Tim Gredley have had a season to remember with popular stayer Big Orange and there might be more reason to cheer for the owners with two-year-old Best Blue.

He left his debut well behind when runner-up over course and distance four weeks ago, having cut out most of the running. He’s open to plenty of progress on just his this start and second on the all-weather.

Newcomer Natch and once-raced The Jungle VIP look the main dangers but crucially, perhaps, Best Blue has the benefit of previous experience at Chelmsford on his side.

Corked (7.15)

She finished out of the frame just twice on nine starts for Hugo Palmer and her one win to date came at this track last month.

Corked has since joined Ed Walker for 20,000gns and there is every chance she will recoup some of that outlay in this £8,000 fillies' handicap.

She did really well to finish a clear second after getting involved in a battle for the lead over course and distance last time and that was off a similar mark in a 0-85 event. Down in grade here, she will be a tough nut to crack.

Captain Scooby (8.45)

General Tufto finished an admirable fifth on his 200th start at Southwell on Thursday and another popular veteran, Captain Scooby, makes a remarkable 206th career start in the 8.45.

The 11-year-old was a course and distance winner 14 months ago but his chance very much depends on a clean exit from the stalls, where he often gets left behind.

Luke Morris is certainly the right man in the saddle and if he could get away on terms, he is handicapped to win a race of this nature despite his advancing years.

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