Horse Racing Tips: Katie Midwinter's best bets on Thursday including 33/1 Chepstow fancy

Southwell, 15:07 - Back Sir Maxi E/W @ 17/29.50

Eight-year-old gelding Sir Maxi should be able to hold his own and make his presence felt in this company. He has been often seen in classified races recently, mostly at Newcastle, and placed over course-and-distance in his latest start. 

Following an improved effort recently, this could be the time for Sir Maxi to strike once more, with a visor replacing his usual blinkers.

In his only other appearance in a visor, he was able to finish third in a Carlisle handicap from a rating of 64, improving on his previous run at Catterick last May. He was in good form this time last year, recording his latest win at Chelmsford twelve months ago, and is presented with a feasible opportunity under 7lb claiming Kyle McHugh for trainer Sam England here.

Chepstow, 15:50 - Back Amateur E/W @ 10/111.00

Experienced veteran Amateur faces a stiff task on his return to action following a break, now a 13-year-old, but he showed last year that he still retains ability with creditable effort at Newbury and Cartmel, and has dropped to a low mark of 112.

He's now 10lb lower than his last win with Edward Vaughan returning in the saddle once again, claiming 7lb. This eases his burden off top weight and he could be capable of making the frame with ground conditions likely to be in his favour.

One to note each-way in familiar surroundings, the likeable Amateur shouldn't be discounted, well treated at the weights and possessing the ability required to be competitive at this level on a going day despite being in the twilight of his racing career.

Chepstow, 15:50 - Back Gingerbred E/W @ 33/134.00

Gingerbred has shaped as though a step up in trip would be beneficial in two recent runs over 2m7f and three-miles. He has been seen staying on late from a difficult position having been outpaced and often struggling to get into a rhythm.

This extra distance could allow him to be more competitive for the major honours under 7lb claiming Jack Stenhouse, and he's on a workable mark off 90. Now 10lb lower than his sole win over fences to date, Gingerbred is well treated at the weights and can pose a threat if able to show the best of his ability.

First-time cheekpieces could also spark some improvement and help him concentrate on the task in hand in the early stages, allowing him to travel better into the race and maintain his position.

Warwick, 16:30 - Back New Order @ 16/54.20

Course-and-distance winner New Order holds leading claims in this series final from a workable mark of 124. He has been running consistently well in defeat so far this term, recording form figures of 2323 following a disappointing reappearance at Bangor-on-Dee in November, and is only 2lb higher than when narrowly denied by Welcom To Cartries in a Sandown qualifier.

The eight-year-old has course form in his favour as he bids for a fourth career win, still potentially on an upward trajectory having made only ten starts over fences under Rules to date. He has shown a great attitude and determination in his races, often emerging with great credit, and should be able to put in a bold bid in this contest.

Southwell, 16:37 - Back Start Me Up @ 9/43.25

Three-year-old colt Start Me Up remains unexposed in only his sixth start having made only one appearance in handicap company to date in a Meydan 6f sprint last month. He returns to Britain here under Billy Loughnane, bidding to shed his maiden tag from a mark of 77.

His current rating could prove lenient considering some of the form he has shown in novice company during his debut campaign last term. He finished third to now 93-rated Treanmor on debut at Newmarket last year, before emerging with credit when a close second to now 92-rated Monarch's Gold at Southwell.

There should be further improvement to come from the son of Mehmas, who is related to a number of talented performers. He could fare much better in this company and could prove worth keeping the faith in for Richard Spencer.

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