Newmarket racing tip: Dereham denied hat-trick as Churchella and My Chiquita renew rivalries

17:40 Close Brothers Handicap

Solution’s withdrawal means a small field of five runners will line up for the 17:40 at Newmarket on Thursday.

Despite showing some improvement when stepping up in trip last season, he’s yet to find his feet under Jim and Suzi Best.

Red Force One topped the betting early on thanks to back-to-back wins at Musselburgh and Redcard, but this track may not suit him as much.

My Chiquita and Pfingstberg neck and neck in the betting now but it’s worth noting that the latter will be carrying an extra 5 lbs.

He responded well to being asked to take the initiative early in the race and won comfortably, albeit as favourite and against a lesser field.

 

Planet Sport Bet Special: Bet £20 on the 17:40 at Newmarket and if Pfingstberg wins by more than two lengths, get a £5 free bet

 

We can’t ignore Dereham, a course and distance winner who has the last two editions of this race and chases a hat trick today, but his reappearance at Chelmsford was less than spectacular.

Churchella got off the mark in a 10-runner handicap at Doncaster last month and although she couldn’t follow that up with wins, her more recent efforts were respectable.

There’s no question that Churhcella and My Chiquita will enjoy the fast ground at Newmarket and what’s helpful is we have a recent clash to draw some conclusions from.

My Chiquita finished second, with Churchella back in fourth, when they met at Doncaster a few weeks ago.

That race was stronger than this one and although it’s worth noting Churchella was hampered, My Chiquita was impressive against much stronger company.

Suggested bet: My Chiquita to win 17:40 at Newmarket

• Tips advised by TryTips on Tipstrr