5.40pm Chelmsford Tips & Betting Preview 15/08/2017

A five furlong nursery kicks off a competitive card at Chelmsford on Tuesday evening. Our runner by runner preview and expert tip for the contest is below.

IN SUMMARY: KODIAC EXPRESS is one of the more exposed in the field, but she embarks on her handicap career from a winnable looking mark on her Bath runner-up effort two starts ago. The third that day gave her six pounds and has won a handicap since off 75, so her 69 looks entirely feasible with plenty of pace for her to chase. Big Time Maybe is yet to follow up the impression he made on his debut, but a first time visor may be the spark he needs to return to form. Meanwhile, Jive Lady represents a yard traditionally strong with juveniles and deserves respect.

1 JIVE LADY – The Mark Johnston yard are flying with their juveniles once more this season, boasting a 25% strike rate with 50 winners already up for the season. This filly has contributed one of those successes two runs ago at Hamilton. That was a visually impressive win, but it was also a fair way above any of her other runs. She has been handicapped on that victory which looks on the harsh side on the balance of her form.

2 ZALSHAH – Second or third in four of his six outings, he has been consistent without really threatening that first success. He has not found much when let down under pressure in any of his starts so will need the switch to the sand for the first time to have a significant effect to get that elusive maiden victory.

3 BIG TIME MAYBE – Promising debut has not been backed up in three subsequent efforts, resulting in a first time visor being tried. He shows plenty of early speed but has struggled to hold that through the final furlong, fading late on. A switch to sharper All Weather tracks could play to his strengths if he can rediscover the form he displayed on debut.

4 UNDERCOVER BROTHER – Progressed steadily through his first three runs, including a success at Hamilton. He flopped badly when stepped into handicap company at York last time, struggling a long way from home. He was unable to get to the front there on ground possibly a little on the soft side for him so he is worth another chance. A draw on the outside of Jive Lady and Big Time Maybe who both like to get on with things could be his undoing however, and he may struggle to get to the front once more.

5 MILTON ROAD – The most exposed in the line-up, he is already a three time winner. He was beaten out of sight most recently at Sandown, a run that was too bad to be his true showing. He can be excused that run as there was no logical explanation, bar that perhaps he is starting to feel the effects of a busy first campaign.

6 GOLD FILIGREE – Shown consistency in four career starts, she was sent off favourite for a Bath race in May won by subsequent Queen Mary winner Heartache. Runner-up at Sandown when last seen, albeit five lengths behind the winner, she will need to improve for this switch to the Polytrack if she is to gain a first success here.

7 IVY LEAGER – Highly tried, he produced his best effort switched to handicaps last time out. He found things happening a little too quick for him on fast ground, staying on well to finish third. A sharp five furlongs around here may once more put too much emphasis on speed for his liking. He is best watched until stepping back up in trip.

8 KODIAC EXPRESS – Six race maiden, she ran her best race on the quickest ground she has encountered when runner-up at Bath. The third that day (who gave her six pounds) has won from a mark of 75 since so this first handicap from 69 makes it look a winnable level if she can reproduce that form. She has had plenty of chances, but she will have the race run to suit with plenty of pace to chase so could be a little forgotten about in the market. Strong each way shout.

9 WIFF WAFF – Shaped well in a first-time tongue strap, that run sandwiched by two lesser efforts. The Stuart Williams yard always need plenty of respect with their runners on the All Weather, but it would be a surprise if he were able to defy what looks a tough opening gambit as he steps into handicaps.