Today's Racing Tips: Rufaa may prove an Al of a bet at Wolverhampton

• Charlie can Cop' cash in Chelmsford opener

• Mason fancied to deliver late Christmas gift for Carroll

• Veteran should appreciate Dunstall test

Chelmsford, 12.42 - Back Charlie Mason @ 5/42.25

The admirable Charlie Mason made 19 starts in the last calendar year and trainer Tony Carroll has wasted little time despatching the industrious gelding to Chelmsford for his first start of 2026.

A 55-day absence freshened up the selection prior to a near career best effort in the Timeform Sprint Series Final a week before Christmas where he finished a rather unfortunate fifth behind stablemate and winner Justcallemepete.

Jockey Jack Doughty would probably like to ride that race again given half a chance as he was stopped in his run a couple of times aboard a horse which ideally likes to be brought with one smooth challenge.

All five of Charlie Mason's career wins have come between a three and 17-day absence from the track so a 15-day break since that fine effort should fit ideally with his profile and young Myla Coppins struck twice from her opening five rides in December for Carroll so should have seen a little of today's mount at home.  

Wolverhampton, 19.00 - Back Al Rufaa @ 10/34.33

Al Rufaa is in the latter stages of a lengthy career, but his recent efforts still suggest there is a race or two in the nine-year-old and his record at today's trip reads 01222 so he ought to be on the scene in this event.

A drop in trip might see the veteran to better effect these days as he can often race too exuberantly for his own good, as was the case at Kempton last time over 11 furlongs behind Wyld Bill.

That rival has conquered Al Rufaa twice in recent times, with the selection well and truly vanquished at Lingfield by 13 lengths on his penultimate start.

However, there is no Wyld Bill in this event and, with a track record of 1222, Al Rufaa makes some appeal returning to one of his favoured venues over this shorter trip.

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