Shafdar out to shine at Chelmsford

Shafdar really caught the eye last time out and the lightly-raced four-year-old can finally get off the mark in the "For The Love of Horses" Maiden Stakes at Chelmsford on Sunday.

Already with his third trainer, he made his debut behind a subsequent Group One winner in Twain having started life with Michael Halford and Tracey Collins in Ireland.

The Aga Khan homebred was then moved to Mikel Delzangles in France for whom he again had just the one run when fifth of 10 at Amiens.

Sent to the sales he was picked up for just E36,000 by the ever so shrewd Ian Williams and he showed plenty of promise at Kempton.

The winner, Charlie Appleby's Palladas, cost 750,000 guineas and looks a nice type while the second is a well-bred youngster from Shadwell.

Shafdar made fast late gains for third, however, and looks a surefire future winner.

Jamie and Saffie Osborne have been racking up the air miles of late, back and forth to Dubai, but little fish are sweet and Aneirin's Sword can prevail in the 7th March Artful Dodger After Racing Handicap.

The Mehmas gelding showed little in three runs in maiden and novice company but got off the mark at the first attempt in handicap company off a mark of 60 when dead-heating.

He was beaten just 0.75-lengths when attempting to follow up but the race was not run to suit and he made plenty of ground up late.

Nudged up another 2lb, he should still be hard to beat.

Harlington has been in good form recently and can defy a 6lb rise in the 5th July Queen Charlotte Day Handicap.

He left Joe Tickle and joined Charlie Clover and was second on his first start for new connections at Southwell.

At Lingfield last time out he was a convincing winner and the 6lb rise was to be expected.

At Navan JP McManus' new purchase Oscars Brother can continue his progression in the William Hill Racing Bet Builder Ten Up Novice Chase.

Connor King has worked wonders with the eight-year-old and he was a good winner of the Florida Pearl Novice Chase last time out.

King only has two horses in training so to have one as good as this is what dreams are made of and with McManus now involved, he must be pinching himself. - Press Association

SELECTIONS:

CHELMSFORD: Race 1 - 15.37 Aneirin's Sword, Race 2 - 16.07 SHAFDAR (NAP), Race 3 - 16.37 Sanditon, Race 4 - 17.07 Marion's Boy, Race 5 - 17.37 Harlington, Race 6 - 18.05 Gundogan, Race 7 - 18.35 The Craftymaster.

NAVAN: Race 1 - 15.50 Coyote Spirit, Race 2 - 16.20 Zanoosh, Race 3 - 16.50 Hiddenvalley Lake, Race 4 - 17.20 Teds Corner, Race 5 - 17.50 Oscars Brother, Race 6 - 18.20 Choccabloc, Race 7 - 18.50 In A Sonnet.