Horse racing tips April 18: Horses you MUST back at Chelmsford, Cheltenham, Newmarket | Racing | Sport

He came in for significant market support, however, last time out at Doncaster when racing in a handicap for the first time, but was unlucky in running. He deserves at least one more chance to prove that latest widespread gamble was not totally misplaced.

ELARQAM (nb, 4.10) is another horse on a comeback mission. He was unbeaten as a two-year-old and ran a cracking race to finish fourth in the 2,000 Guineas over this Newmarket course.

The fact that Sheikh Hamdan’s number one jockey, Jim Crowley, has chosen to ride him over Mustashry, who is officially rated higher, speaks volumes for the chances of the Mark Johnston runner.

SHAMSON (treb, 5.20) has enjoyed a terrific winter on a variety of all-weather surfaces with three victories and some near-misses too.

Stuart Williams had a 66-1 winner on Wednesday's Newmarket card and his candidate here, props up the weights in this handicap. It is worth speculating that he can continue his progressive profile now he is returned to turf.

This looks a great spare ride for jockey Harry Bentley.

Chelmsford

5.25 THE LAZY MONKEY

6.00 GUNMAKER

6.30 ROGUE

7.00 SHAREEF STAR (NAP)

7.30 ROYAL MEZYAN

8.00 LORD LAMINGTON

8.30 MEHDAAYIH

Cheltenham

2.05 THE CULL BANK

2.40 BLACKDOWN HILLS

3.15 CAP SOLEIL

3.50 MOLLY CHILDERS

4.25 HAVINGAGOODTIME

4.55 HAPPY DIVA

5.30 ELLARNA