Chelmsford best bet: Marefuori can give market leaders a run for their money

20:30 Chelmsford:  Bets Odds Guaranteed at Bet365 Handicap (1 mile 2 furlongs)

If the bookies’ early-market calculations are correct, then we should be in for a three-horse race between Crimson Road, Reaching High and The African Queen, who are covered by barely a single betting point at the time of writing.

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Of that capable trio, The African Queen looks most likely to build on early-season promise, after hitting the ground running to win her handicap debut with room to spare at Brighton nine days ago, and she could well make all here to land further success for the in-form team of Charlie Johnston and Joe Fanning.

Of the other five starters, it is Marefuori whom Tipstrr’s pundits believe is best equipped to muscle his way into the frame, after the Marco Botti-trained gelding put together a decent run of form throughout a productive winter campaign.

Suggested best bet: Marefuori in the 20:30 at Chelmsford

The three-year-old’s maiden win came at the fifth attempt at Wolverhampton in September, and he continued in much the same vein when finishing runner-up at the same track on this season’s reappearance in February after a three-month break.

His last effort was over this course and distance at the back end of March, when he came within a length of ridden-out stablemate Rocket Warrior, running on strongly after twice being hampered for room in the last two furlongs.

Regular jockey Benoit De La Sayette returns to the saddle after missing that last outing, and although some of his less-exposed rivals might claim more scope for improvement, there’s nothing to suggest that Marefuori doesn’t have what it takes to put himself in contention again here.

• Tip advised by Rich Bets on Tipstrr