Chelmsford top racing tip: Blackjack best bet to deny favourite’s hat-trick bid

19:30 Chelmsford: Celebrate Valentine’s at CCR Handicap (6 furlongs)

With three of the favourite’s four wins having come over that longer trip, this quick turnaround could prove a big ask and makes the in-form Blackjack a much more attractive proposition.

Not only does he come here in fine form following two very solid placed efforts over this trip at Southwell on his two runs since returning from his last break, but he also has some very useful form at this venue.

He was beaten only a length when second of eight at Southwell ten days ago, when only a very well-handicapped runner was able to beat him, and with Jonny Peate taking over today with his useful claim, Blackjack will effectively be racing off 5lbs lower than his revised mark.

Suggested best bet: Blackjack each-way in the 19:30 at Chelmsford

The seven-year-old has been found a good opportunity back at a track where he has performed very well on each of his two previous visits,.

He was beaten a neck in what was a higher-graded Class 4 handicap here last April, so a similar effort will give him a big chance in this moderate Class 5 (apart from the seven-furlong specialist at the top of the handicap, this is really only lower-tier Class 5 standard).

He went from the front that day too, and he ran from the same draw that he has today, and in his current mood another big run looks on the cards.

• Tips and analysis provided by Steve Jones who runs CD Systems Daily Bargain on Tipstrr

Of the others, Conquistador looks interesting as he drops down significantly in grade off a mark that is 15lbs lower than it was last summer, and today’s rider takes off a further 5lbs.

A previous Class 3 handicap winner over 6f on Polytrack, he has failed to place in his last nine runs since finishing third of 26 in a very valuable Class 2 at Ascot last summer, so he would be very dangerous down in a moderate Class 5 event off 15lbs lower should he suddenly rediscover his form.

The four-year-old has hinted at doing so on a couple of occasions for this new yard and will be a big player here from stall 4 if his new cheekpieces have the desired effect.

Planet Sport Bet Daily Special: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Conquistador finishes in the first 3 places, get a £5 Free Bet

 

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