Chelmsford preview: Welliesinthewater can give rivals the boot

David Metcalf | January 14, 2016

Trainer Derek Shaw has his team in fine form at present, so Welliesinthewater looks to holding leading claims of providing him with another winner in the 7f handicap that opens proceedings on this evening’s card at Chelmsford (17.10).

The gelding has run well to finish in the frame on three occasions since returning from a break, and posted a really solid effort last time out over course and distance when second to Gentleman.

Welliesinthewater attempted to make all, and after getting headed inside the final furlong rallied strongly to go down by just a head off a mark of 65.

The pair pulled 3 1/2 lengths clear of the third home, and the winner has come out and scored again since to give the form a solid look.

Welliesinthewater is due to go up 6lb for that effort and race off 70 in future assignments, but is able to run in this off just 64.

That makes the son of Footsepsinthesand potentially thrown-in at the weights, and this venue clearly suits as Welliesinthewater has finished runner-up in both starts at it.

Connections are also now fitting the six-year-old with the cheekpieces for the first time, and if the new headgear has the desired effect Welliesinthewater is going to be very hard to beat.

Pile money on Secret Insider

In the 7f handicap (18.10), Secret Insider can take advantage of what looks a lenient mark to open her account.