Thursday Horse Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

This looks a competitive 0-100 handicap chase but if HIDALGO DES BORDES (best priced at 7/4) can repeat the form of his chasing debut success then he should prove extremely hard to beat under a 7lb penalty. The Warren Greatrex trained seven-year-old finished 2nd in his final PTP start in 2022 before disappointing in three maiden/novices hurdles earlier this season following nearly a two year break. 

Hidalgo Des Bordes put in a huge career best performance on his chasing debut at Exeter last time when fitted with a first time tongue tie off an opening mark of 88. The handicapper has raised him 13lbs for that comfortable 11 length success so he runs here from 6lbs “well in” at the weights under a 7lb penalty and he should prove hard to beat with Harry Cobden deputising on board.

The Jamie Osbourne trained TEN CLUB (best priced at 8/1) was quietly on his handicap debut earlier this month and he looks worth taking a chance on dropped into this 0-60 handicap. The three-year-old finished down the field in three novice/maiden races over 7f and 6f before returning from 126 days off the track having been gelded during that time. He was dropped to 5f in a 0-62 handicap but pulled hard in rear before staying on to finish beaten only two lengths. 

The handicapper has dropped Ten Club 2lbs for that effort which seems lenient and connections now fit him with a first time hood which should help him settle. The in-form Saffie Osbourne takes back over on board and he looks worth backing at the prices against much more exposed rivals. 

CAVALLUCCIO (best priced at 10/3) has an impressive record over this course and distance with form figures of 31316212 so he should not only be well suited by this return to Chelmsford but also by the step back up in trip to 1m2f. The Alice Haynes trained five-year-old won here by 4 ¼ lengths in January off a mark of 68 before finishing 2nd by ½ length a week later off a mark of 73.

Cavalluccio finished 3rd at both Southwell and Kempton when dropped down to a mile off this mark of 75 and he should run well once again back over 1m2f at Chelmsford.