Chelmsford best bet: Crimson Sand can set the pace off reduced mark
Chelmsford racecourse
With just a handful of betting points covering the entire field, all seven starters will emerge from the stalls with high hopes of landing this wide-open five-furlong sprint.
19:30 Chelmsford: Best Racing Odds Guaranteed at BetMGM Handicap (5 furlongs)
The make-up of the race should set things up perfectly for Crimson Sand, who loves to come from off a fast pace, and although it’s been a while since this six-year-old last won, he is handicapped to put that right today off a career-low mark of 79.
The last time he was here, in November last year (but only three runs ago), he finished a close-up third of nine (beaten a length) in a stronger (0-86) handicap than this one, which featured seven runners rated 81-86, comparing very favourably with this race, in which only one runner is rated above 79.
Racing off 82 (3lbs higher than here), Crimson Sand raced against the pace bias in a sprint that was very much run to suit the prominent racers, who filled the first two places with the pair that finished fourth and fifth (behind Crimson Sand) also up with the leaders for most of the way.
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Crimson Sand, meanwhile, did much the best of the closers, so his effort needs marking up and he is now 3lbs lower in a weaker race that looks likely to be run to suit him, in contrast to that contest in November.
He has easier opposition this time, and this looks like it could be set up for his strong finish, suggesting that he looks a good value bet under Kieran O’Neill, who rode him here in November.
Suggested best bet: Crimson Sand each-way in the 19:30 at Chelmsford
- Tips and analysis provided by Steve Jones who runs CD Systems Daily Bargain on Tipstrr
Of the others, Pop Dancer likes to go from the front and, if he is able to dictate on his own terms, then he will be a big player given that he is a prolific five-furlong winner who loves these sharp tracks.
He returns here following a near-miss over this trip last month, when second behind a highly progressive winner who is now rated higher than any of his rivals in this line-up.
Off an unchanged mark, there is no reason why Pop Dancer won’t go well again, especially if he is able to get across from stall 5 and command the rail.
Next Best bet: Pop Dancer each-way in the 19:30 at Chelmsford
READ MORE: Chelmsford racing tips: Best bets for Thursday February 1
