Stratford Racecourse review and tips for Thursday’s six-race meeting

Racegoers have six races to look forward to at Stratford this Thursday, with four handicap hurdles and two steeplechases across the evening.

The ground is led to a number of small fields, but that may simply make picking a winner easier.

Here is preview and tips for the Stratford card, brought to you by BOYLE Sports, who have all the horse racing odds. 

We begin with a novices’ hurdle run over two miles and six furlongs (17.35).

Somewhat disappointingly, there are just two runners involved here; Porcupine Bank and Fine Thing.

The former - trained by Gordon Elliott - has some strong form in springtime juvenile hurdles and latterly placed in Listed novice company.

Fine Thing won a maiden very well in JJuly and is something of an unknown quantity now. The Irish horse gets the final vote, though. 

Next is a handicap hurdle run over the same trip (18.06).

Torrent looks competitive, having run well last time and is on the same mark here.

Kittys Glance looks handy after a string of placing runs this spring and summer, so she could get back into the winners enclosure now.

Rebel Tribesman is a reliable type who has a chance here, but the handicapper might have him well gripped. 

A two and a half mile handicap chase follows (18.36).

Captain Cool won here recently but needs to come back down the weights now, while Sir Tivo was a winner last time out and might have another chance under Sean Bowen.

Bagheera Ginge won well last time out and might be able to follow up the form, but his form would suggest a poor run is due today. 

Race four is a two and three-quarter mile novices’ handicap chase (19.06).

Jennie Candlish’s Dunkerque has had an excellent year, winning four consecutive races between April and June, and he returned to action well last month.

Samuel Spade should be competitive, while Krak might improve for the step back up in trip. 

Second to last is a three and a half mile handicap chase (19.36).

Yes And Yes is a course and distance winner who seeks a hat-trick here, and has little reason not to do so, even despite a raised handicap mark.

The form of the rest is not as strong in recent months, save Glenmalure Flyer, who disappointed here in June but should be able to get back to winning ways up in trip. It is between the two of them. 

Concluding is an extended two-mile handicap hurdle (20.06).

Reteti is in good form but might be too high up the weights here.

Jet Patrol is down a pound from last time and might be able to win here, ridden by Sean Bowen, while Berry Edge has recently had wind surgery and might be a serious contender now for Dan Skelton, but may not like the firmer ground. 

Stratford selections - Thursday

17.35 - Porcupine Bank

18.06 - Kittys Glance 

18.36 - Sir Tivo

19.06 - Dunkerque

19.36 - Yes And Yes

20.06 - Jet Patrol