7.17 Chelmsford: Class 6 Handicap, 6f

Two I like: Jungle Hill was an obvious eyecatcher last time at Wolverhampton. A course and distance winner off his current mark, he’s a big chance. He moves ever so slightly up in class, and with that in mind he’s a short enough price.

I’m more interested in Kessaar Power, who entered my notebook back in March when he caught the eye over a wrong trip at Southwell. He had excuses for the somewhat lesser runs subsequently, although didn’t help his cause with sluggish starts.

That’s a clear danger today. If that happens he’ll be beaten within the first hundred yards. At the same time I’m prepared to take the risk because he’s usually seen up front, has the #1 draw to attack the race from and is seriously well-handicapped, in theory.

This course and distance brought the best out of him in the past. A 4-1-1 record, and his most recent run here was better than the bare form suggests.

Down to a mark of 57, with the solid assistance of 3lb claiming Grace McEntee, the gelding looks ready for the big run. He’s also entered for Yarmouth next week, the flat course he’s been most effective at, suggesting connections may believe the 5-year-old is certainly ready to go close.

10pts win – Kessaar Power @ 11/1