Horse Racing Tips: Bracken's to have the last laugh in Thursday Chester double

• Easterby sprinter a player at 11/26.50

• Dee Stakes selection en route to Royal Ascot?

• Alan Dudman has two tips for Chester on Thursday

Chester - 13:30: Back Manilla Scouse

Vince L'Amour ran a cracker yesterday for the column to finish second, and I am sticking with the trainer Tim Easterby again with his 11/26.50 shot Manilla Scouse in the opener at Chester.

He finished second on his comeback for the season last time out at Wetherby over the extended five furlongs and he enjoyed a good season as a sprinter in 2023.

His third at York last term in a 0-100 was a fine effort from 85 behind Vintage Clarets, and that looked strong handicap form at the time, and Vintage Clarets is in here too at 15/28.50.

Manilla Scouse took in a lot of races last term, typical from one from the yard, and his two wins at Chepstow came in the Sunday Series and Racing League races and earned some good money. However, in terms of his abilities, he probably can go a little higher than that level and he travelled so well at Chepstow last term.

An attacking ride suits him too, so let's see what happens from his draw but he's a player in this race and can improve on his recent return at Wetherby.

Chester - 15:05: Back Bracken's Laugh

I'm looking forward to seeing Bracken's Laugh up in trip today in the Listed Dee Stakes and Richard Hughes his trainer, has made of secret of his abilities and described him as "our best horse".

He did not disappoint at Chelmsford last time with a rather potent turn of foot, and it's always the sign of a good one when they can settle a race quickly. His penultimate furlong of 11.14 seconds was far quicker than anything else in the field too.

It wasn't a shabby contest either and he won easily by over 2L and now is rated 108 and looks well up to that rating.

Hughes tried him at Group 1 level last term in France, and was by no means disgraced at the top level there and this could be a stepping stone to something at Royal Ascot.

I've watched the win at Chelmsford a couple of times and I was impressed. He travelled well off the pace and looked strong in the finish too and I am sure the 1m2f here will suit him perfectly.

The price of 4/15.00 can hopefully gives us a winner, or indeed a second leg success.

Now read Tony Calvin's tips for Thursday