8.30pm Chelmsford Tips & Betting Preview 16/02/2017

Although the prices may suggest this race is a slam dunk for the favourite, this won’t be a simple task when the race is picked apart. See our betting tips and the full race preview below as we take on this short priced favourite.

IN SUMMARY: The short priced favourite Willyegolassiego will be popular after her win off a lowly mark at Lingfield last week and will make a bold bid to follow up, but perhaps this can go to KAY SERA. He has been in good form lately, breaking his maiden in December when stepped back up to 1m 4f at Wolverhampton and didn’t have the best of luck over the same C&D four weeks ago. There could be more to come off his rating and with luck in-running, he will go close to troubling the favourite at worst.

1 KAY SERA – Has been running well of late, winning at Wolverhampton three starts ago (1m 4f, Std) before another good second there despite a 2lb rise (1m 1f, Std). Another 2lb rise for that second did put the brakes on somewhat as he could only muster up fifth on hews latest start (1m 4f, Std) but he stayed on well that day and going up in distance may well eek out further improvement from him. A mark of 58 shouldn’t be beyond him if continuing to improve with 3lb claimer Eion Walsh again taking the ride and has to be respected as a main contender.

2 MONJENI – A maiden after eleven attempts but did put up some creditable efforts when with Sir Mark Prescott, finishing second here over the two mile trip in August off a 2lb higher mark. After three midfield finishes in the summer where he wasn’t disgraced he was sold out of the yard and has joined the in form Ian Williams team. Adam Kirby is up first time who is also in cracking from and he still remains with potential as a lightly raced four year old who is proven at this course. Likely to serve it up to the favourite and has to be respected.

3 AZAMESSE – One win from twenty-four runs, with no wins on the all weather surface from nine attempts. Although not disgraced three starts ago when fourth at Wolverhampton (2m, Std), she has been very poor the last twice which certainly tempers enthusiasm, though she now is on a career low mark of 55. Regardless of that she may still need to drop further on what she’s shown this season and despite Gina Mangan also taking off a further 7lb, she can’t be recommended.

4 FIRE IN BABYLON – Has only one win from his last twenty five starts, with the latest of those coming in June 2015 at Wolverhampton (1m 4f, Std) and he is still 5lb above that mark. He’s also not been seen since September 2015 which is 509 day absence which has to be a concern against some race fit rivals in good form. If back at his best he is a possible place contender, but with all things considered he’s very vulnerable for win purposes.

5 WILLYEGOLASSIEGO – No show on his first six starts under both codes but took advantage of a basement mark on handicap debut to comfortably win at Lingfield last Tuesday (1m 5f, Std). Raised 5lb for that success but she wasn’t hard pushed to win her latest start and remains with significant potential now upped in trip for Neil Mulholland. Liam Keniry takes the ride and has a very good chance of following up today if continuing in the same form.

6 TOPALOVA – Stable had two winners and a second here last week but this four year old filly wasn’t in the best of form when last seen in October, beaten by 15 lengths at Catterick (1m 7f, Soft). Much more needed back on a surface where she is still a maiden after six attempts, not fully convincing that she handles it. Would be an unlikely winner despite a seven pound claimer on board and should be left alone.

7 OYSTER CARD – Has been poor this season in the main, well beaten at Kempton (2m, Std) when weakening rapidly on his latest start. Possible that the drop back in trip will suit but he’s still a maiden after thirteen attempts and hasn’t yet placed either, which has to be of concern. Drops to a career low mark with Luke Morris taking the ride, with both the yard and jockey in form, but he’s impossible to recommend at present and others have far more pressing claims.