RACE PREVIEWS & TIPS (THURSDAY)

14:35 Leicester Storming Strumpet looks to be getting back to somewhere near his best and he put in a decent effort at this track just last month. His two career wins to date have come in and around this trip so it is of little surprise to see him drop back in distance. Tom George has his runners in rude health at present and the yard have sent out six winners inside the last month. Today’s ground should be fine and despite the burden of joint top weight he is one of the more consistent types in this field and he commands plenty of respect. Frankie Ballou was a promising third on what was his first start for Joanne Foster.He ought to build on that today given tht he is getting over a stone in weight from some rivals. Despite being an eight year old nd a sixteen race maiden, the change of scenery may well work the oracle for this gelding. Today Please and Crown Hill need to put disappointing efforts behind them in order to figure here after a couple of months off. Texas Forever is still a maiden after seven starts and this good to soft ground does not look to be in his favour. He has run on it twice in the past and was beaten thirty five lengths in one instance and pulled up in the other. He looks way too short a price and offers little in the way of value. STORMING STRUMPET (WIN)

16:30 Lingfield Encapsulated returned to winning ways at Chelmsford last time getting the better of Nasri and Whaleweigh Station by a neck and a head. A return to this track is certainly in his favour as he is a dual course and distance winner. He remains well handicapped on his best form as he has won off a pound higher mark in the past. Rhian Ingram has partnered him to success four times before including the twice where he has won at this venue and with a decent draw in stall one, he looks primed to go well. Tidal’s Baby recorded his first ever win over this course and distance back in 2012. That will stand him in good stead. His two other wins have come on the turf at Windsor and Goodwood. Like the selection he has been rated higher in the past and put in a decent effort when runner up at Kempton behind Tilsworth Micky last time. There is no doubt he rates as a massive danger this afternoon. Spirit Of Zebedee is trying to win off a career high mark and if he takes to the track he would certainly hold each way claims yet again. ENCAPSULATED (E/W IF 9/2+) – NAP