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Katie Midwinter has fancies at Taunton and Chelmsford on Thursday
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Course-and-distance winner cannot be discounted
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Drop in class should allow gelding to perform better
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Taunton, 14:50 - Back Gingerbred E/W @ 18/119.00
Carroll Gray-trained Gingerbred couldn't make any impression, failing to travel well from early on at Windsor when last seen, but drops significantly in class here which should allow him to be more competitive under James Davies.
The likeable eight-year-old is 1lb lower than when recording his sole success over fences to date for former trainers Philip Hobbs and Johnson White. He beat Pachacuti at Ffos Las in heavy ground that day in early 2024, before going on to finish second in both of his subsequent starts then third to Hymac at Cheltenham.
In his final start for his previous yard, Gingerbred placed third in a 14 runner field to King Turgeon, outrunning odds of 12/113.00 in the process, before spending 374 days off track. He made his return to action on debut for his new yard in November over hurdles, improving plenty for the outing with two second-placed finishes subsequently over timber and fences.
Having proven he still retains ability, Gingerbred shouldn't be discounted and could perform better than his odds suggest, capable of making his presence felt on a going day if able to bounce back from his latest appearance.
Back Gingerbred E/W in 14:50 Taunton
Chelmsford, 18:30 - Back Tryfan @ 11/43.75
Likeable gelding Tryfan has recorded two wins over this distance of a mile-and-three-quarters for current trainer Harry Charlton, partnered by Hector Crouch, who returns in the saddle, on both occasions. He has proven to be a strong stayer who possesses plenty of stamina, which is of little surprise considering he is related to a number of classy middle-distance performers as well as staying types, and is by Nathaniel.
The five-year-old is a horse to note in this contest despite being 5lb higher than his last winning mark when a comfortable winner over Road To Wembley at Southwell in September. He was well supported into 7/24.50 favouritism that day and duly obliged, finishing three-and-a-quarter-lengths ahead of the talented runner-up.
On his return to action following a 66-day break, Tryfan could only manage third to Haku, and weakened late on in his latest start, eventually finishing down the field in a run worth putting a line through. He has a mountain to climb in this contest if replicating his most recent run, but he can prove much better than that effort and may be worth keeping the faith in.
The drop in class should allow him to pose a serious threat and, considering he has a good record with his returning jockey in the saddle, for a yard in great form so far this year, there's plenty to like about Tryfan's chances.
Back Tryfan in 18:30 Chelmsford
Chelmsford, 20:00 - Back Riot E/W @ 40/141.00
Course-and-distance winner Riot has struggled for form since joining Charlie Wallis from the David O'Meara yard, but has dropped to a mark of 67 following a string of disappointing efforts, and could be capable of returning to form now 6lb below his last win.
His latest victory came in a 7f Wolverhampton contest in October, and it would be a surprise if he has lost all ability in the time since then.
Whilst there have been few positives to take from his most recent efforts, the experienced nine-year-old has been able to put a poor run of form behind him in the past and bounce back. He could be able to do that once again, and shouldn't be completely discounted each-way considering he has run well at the track on multiple occasions previously and is on a lenient mark.
Back Riot E/W in 20:00 Chelmsford