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15:40 Worcester We kick off today’s trio of picks with some jumps action from Worcester. This two and a half mile hurdles race is hardly packed with class but when you see JP McManus’s green and gold you have to take note. Barry Geraghty rides Church Field and despite unseating last time out it did find it’s head in front on its penultimate start. The likely threats look set to come from the Bernard Llewelyn trained duo of Fuzzy Logic and Tijori who raced against each other last time out. With the addition of blinkers set to be applied for the first time I’m hoping this could bring about a correction in Church Field’s potential jumping errors and should see it win this pretty weak contest. Church Field (WIN)
16:40 Exeter Sticking with jumps racing we head over to Exeter for a novices hurdle event where top trainer Paul Nicholls saddles Abidjan who seems to have the best form on offer after a win back in April. Potentially another promising French import for the Nicholls yard and although it’s price is short enough it’s a true reflection of its chances and looks the one to beat. Of the remaining runners Angus Glenns has been very consistent and has turned it’s decent flat form into decent efforts over hurdles but I feel the favourite looks set to be too much to overcome. Silver Dixie ran on nicely in its previous and only race over hurdles. The likelihood is that the horse will be crying out for further and although it has the potential to place I can’t see it shaking it’s maiden tag today. Abidjan (WIN)
20:10 Chelmsford We make a complete change from our previous selections and go from jumps racing on turf to flat racing on the all weather and the fifth race from Chelmsford tonight. This maiden is headed by David Simcock’s Drago who finished fourth last time out behind the current favourite Tartoor. It could go closer this time around but I think it’s unlikely that the form of that race can be turned around. Indian Monsoon has been heavily fancied on its previous starts but has been very disappointing however the application of headgear may be enough to ensure this one is more competitive but as with Drago isn’t likely to finish with a win. Of the horses that are making their debuts tonight Roger Varian’s Catsbury has the most potential but it’d be a huge risk to go with an unraced horse in a race like this. The selection is therefore the current market leader Tartoor. Ed Dunlop’s Tartoor finished second over course and distance last time out and is likely to go one better this evening. It’s also very interesting to note that former champion jockey Paul Hanagan travels to Chelmsford solely for this ride and isn’t likely to take just one mount at a meeting without it having a great chance. Tartoor (WIN)