Champagne time awaits at Chelmsford

Champagne Powder aims to continue the winning trend in the CCR Handicap at Chelmsford on Thursday after breaking his duck at the eighth time of asking.

Trained by Oliver Cole, the son of Kodiac was an exciting prospect as a juvenile, finishing fourth on debut behind subsequent Qatar Prix de la Foret winner Maranoa Charlie at Deauville before coming third behind Aidan O'Brien's Mount Kilimanjaro in a valuable sales race at the Arc meeting.

He appeared in a French Listed race last April, but has struggled to realise his early potential.

However, the four-year-old claimed his maiden win over course and distance by a neck in December and, with Cieren Fallon in the saddle, should make it successive victories.

Gennadius should finally shed his maiden tag on what will be his 12th start in the opening CCR Restricted Maiden Stakes.

The four-year-old son of Ulysses has hit the woodwork in nearly every race he has contested, finishing runner-up on six occasions and third a further three times.

It will be his first on the all-weather since he finished as Opera Ballo's closest rival, admittedly some 8.5-lengths behind, on his debut and that change in surface could be just what Gennadius needs.

General Assembly should profit from a return to 1000m in the CCR Handicap.

Clare Hobson's five-year-old had won back-to-back races over course and distance, but has been ineffective when stepping up to 1200m.

Stepping back in trip will suit and he is only 1lb higher than when Marco Ghiani, who is aboard once again, claimed his most recent triumph.

Celtic Art will renew his rivalry with American Sniper in the 26 February Landlord's Raceday Handicap Hurdle at Taunton.

Jeremy Scott's charge finished 3 lengths clear of American Sniper when the pair faced off last month over course and distance.

That victory means Celtic Art has gone up 6lb but he should be able to overcome David Pipe's challenger and the Paul Nicholls-trained Brave Knight.

Alan King's Irish Chorus should build on his first success over fences in the 12 February Valentines Meeting Novices' Handicap Chase.

The seven-year-old battled to victory in a three-runner race at Leicester last time out and another small field in Somerset should suit.

At Ffos Las, Juby Ball aims to maintain his perfect record over obstacles for Evan Williams in the DragonBet Best Odds Guaranteed UK Racing Novices' Limited Handicap Chase.

He backed up two wins over hurdles by holding off Hazy Glen by a neck on his chase debut and is open to further improvement.

Itseemslikeit's ability should overpower his lack of experience in the DragonBet BOG On All British Racing Handicap Chase.

The seven-year-old secured victory on his chase debut by an impressive 7 lengths and despite the 7lb hike, he should be in contention once more. - Press Association

TAB is betting on 3 UK meetings on Thursday. Here are the tips.

FFOS LAS: Race 1: 14.40 Starzand, Race 2: 15.10 Giantsgrave, Race 3: 15.40 Juby Ball, Race 4: 16.10 Fresh Speculation, Race 5: 16.40 Itseemslikeit, Race 6: 17.10 Nedzor, Race 7: 17.40 Getaway With You.

TAUNTON: Race 1: 15.00 Calvino, Race 2: 15.30 Constantinian, Race 3: 16.00 Crest Of Stars, Race 4: 16.30 Irish Chorus, Race 5: 17.00 Celtic Art, Race 6: 17.30 A Jet Of Our Own, Race 7: 18.00 Bluenose Belle.

CHELMSFORD: Race 1: 19.30 Gennadius, Race 2: 20.00 Dubai Magic, Race 3: 20.30 Analytical Engine, Race 4: 21.00 Arenas Del Tiempo, Race 5: 21.30 General Assembly, Race 6: 22.00 CHAMPAGNE POWDER (NAP), Race 7: 22.30 Beachborough Girl.

ALL TO COME: Celtic Art (Taunton, Race 5) and Champagne Powder (Chelmsford, Race 6).