20:15 Chelmsford City

Thursday 4 January 2018

All18:1518:4519:1519:4520:1520:45

Bet totetrifecta At betfred.com Handicap

Off time: 20:18 | Winning time: 1m 24.81s

(2)

Exchequer^t1¹⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 9-7| J: D Tudhope| T: D O'Meara| OR: 85| D

7/4

Long time since he won a race but good signs for this yard since returning from a lengthy absence, finishing an eyecatching third at Wolverhampton (7f) last month (not clear run). Big chance off this mark with a tongue-strap introduced

Form: 3782/03-

(3)

The Commendatore⁸³

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: B A Curtis| T: T D Barron| OR: 82

10/1

AW winner for John Gosden a couple of years ago and twice a winner on turf for this yard. Yet to win over 7f but a fine fourth of 19 over the trip at York last time out in October. Respected.

Form: 9/10694-

(7)

Loyalty^v¹⁹

Age: 11| Weight: 9-4| J: P Mathers| T: D Shaw| OR: 82| C| D

16/1

Admirable veteran who has a good course record, though much more effective over further (only one career win over 7f). Decent, staying-on effort over 7f at Wolverhampton latest but likely to find a couple too sharp.

Form: 959565-

(5)

Lucymai⁴²

Age: 5| Weight: 9-3| J: Jack Duern⁽³⁾| T: D K Ivory| OR: 81| CD

9/2

Likes it here and produced a remarkable effort to overcome a troublesome wide draw in emphatic fashion last time out, making virtually all to score unchallenged. Remains capable of better but a 10lb rise could anchor her.

Form: 312031-

(6)

Firmdecisions^p¹⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 9-2| J: R Winston| T: D K Ivory| OR: 80| CD

8/1

Not had his head in front since notching back-to-back C&D wins in late 2016 but mark has tumbled to interesting levels. Not beaten far in his two most recent starts and change of headgear is interesting. Dangerous to discount.

Form: 300059-

(8)

Upavon^h,t¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 9-2| J: S M Levey| T: S C Williams| OR: 80| C| D

12/1

Did win a race over this trip in his younger days but more renowned for sprint exploits, scoring most recently at Bath in the summer. Decent effort when a 1¼L third over 6f here last time out but others appeal more.

Form: 143583-

(4)

Toy Theatre²⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 9-1| J: Gabriele Malune⁽⁷⁾| T: M Appleby| OR: 79| CD

16/1

C&D winner early last year who has added three further victories over this trip, her most recent coming at Doncaster in October. Handicapper has had his say, however, and has twice been found wanting off this mark since.

Form: 491156-

(1)

The Eagle's Nest¹⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 8-11| J: M Dwyer| T: Rae Guest| OR: 75| C

11/4

Progressive sort who was sold for 28,000 gns after winning 1m2f Newcastle handicap for Richard Fahey in October. Followed up over 1m here on first start for new yard last month but questions to answer over this shorter trip.

Form: 204411-

Forecasts

Exchequer (7/4), The Eagle's Nest (11/4), Lucymai (9/2), Firmdecisions (8/1), The Commendatore (10/1), Upavon (12/1), Loyalty (16/1), Toy Theatre (16/1)

An interesting race in which which progressive recent winners Lucymai and The Eagle's Nest are likely to have their supporters, though the former has been hit hard by the handicapper whilst the latter may find a drop in trip against him. Preference is for EXCHEQUER who delivered a strong hint that a return to winning ways could be imminent with an eyecatching effort at Wolverhampton last month. Firmdecisions is also of interest in a change of headgear.