Thursday Racing Tips: Key Timeform data including a top rated Chester runner with 'Hot Trainer' and 'Jockey Uplift' flags

15:40, Chester - McMurray represents classic-winning duo

This handicap for three-year-olds over the extended seven furlongs looks full of interesting sorts and chief among them is McMurray who heads the Timeform weight-adjusted ratings. He represents the 2000 Guineas-winning connections of 'Hot Trainer' George Boughey and Billy Loughnane riding in the same silks of the late Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum.

In fact, McMurray comes from the same family as Bow Echo, and like his stablemate he progressed well at two, albeit in lesser company. He ended his campaign with a hat-trick, though admittedly had just the one rival to beat on his final start in a nursery at Yarmouth. However, there was more substance to his win in a similar event at the St Leger meeting on his previous start where he beat Crest of Fire who has boosted the form since.

A well-made colt, McMurray could have more to offer this year, and he starts the current campaign on a favourable looking mark.

16:45, Chester - Mythical Bay steps up in trip for handicap debut

Andrew Balding's runners at Chester are always worth noting, and a dozen winners there last year at a strike-rate of 25%, meant that his local track Newbury was the only course where he saddled more winning horses.

Balding looks to have a good chance of another win on the Roodee with Mythical Bay who steps up in trip for his handicap debut. Raced only in novices to date, Mythical Bay showed a good attitude when getting off the mark to land the odds at Wolverhampton on his last start in January, getting back up for a neck win over next-time-out winner Felix Gem after being headed in the final furlong.

Given a break after four runs in as many months, Mythical Bay has also been gelded since his last run and looks very much the type to go in improving in handicaps now that his stamina is tested further. Balding is due a change of luck in this contest, having saddled the runner-up four times since 2018, while Mythical Bay has the 'Jockey Uplift' flag with Oisin Murphy partnering him for the first time.

19:20, Redcar - El Matador can build on promising return

Ralph Beckett had El Matador engaged in the Victoria Cup over seven furlongs at Ascot on Saturday, but it looks significant that he's sending him to Redcar instead for a less taxing assignment, a track where the Hampshire trainer won with three of his seven runners last year.

The return to a mile will very much suit El Matador too, as he was caught out by the emphasis on speed on his recent reappearance at Lingfield over seven furlongs. Racing off the pace after an awkward start, El Matador couldn't quicken early in the straight but finished well to be beaten a neck behind Port Road, earning the 'Horse In Focus' flag.

El Matador had run well over a mile on his only start at two and looks worth another chance at the trip having underperformed at Haydock on his final start last year. However, he was gelded over the winter and performed much better last time when strong in the betting. He's less exposed than most of his rivals and holds serious claims.

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