Timeform UK SmartPlays: Monday April 8

We start in the Midlands, with a handicap over seven furlongs at 15:10 the object of our attention. Admiralty is on a hat-trick and duly holds favouritism, but the feeling is he's too short and second-favourite Peace Seekerrepresents a much more attractive bet. Peace Seeker completed a hat-trick himself in December 2011 but was lightly raced the following year, getting going only on his final two starts, when he nonetheless suggested he's as good as ever. Returning from eight months off over six furlongs at this course last time, Peace Seeker came in for support but was simply unable to overcome a slow start, ultimately beaten less than two lengths in fourth but appearing to finish with running left. Although not fully proven over today's trip, on the evidence of last time it shouldn't prove an issue and Peace Seeker looks to be the value pick.

Our first bet at Kelso comes hot on the heels of that race, in the 17-furlong handicap chase at 15:30. Quite a number of these are regulars in northern handicap chases, most not having a great deal in hand from their respective handicap marks, though there is one exception that could be worth chancing at a fairly big price. Freddie Brown is still a maiden over jumps, the impression being that he's not the hardiest, but it's never been in doubt that he has the ability to overcome today's mark of 103. He's been in the frame over fences five times at this course (four over C&D), all from higher marks, while given his apparent issues he could well be the type to catch fresh, so this first run in four months looks the ideal time to chance Freddie Brown. At current odds of 8.615/2 and against a field of largely exposed rivals, that chance looks well worth taking.

Finally, we take in the last at Kelso, a mares' handicap chase at 17:30. Although she's been consistent of late, Overyou now faces a very different test away from testing ground, so for all she might be the likeliest winner she might be susceptible to a speedier type. As luck would have it, there's a speedier, well-handicapped type in this race, My Flora having been a leading hunter chaser last season (fourth in Foxhunter at Cheltenham). She's struggled in three runs this winter for Donald McCain, though she's been running over hurdles and generally on very testing ground (best form on good/good to soft). Now returned to fences on a mark that underplays the ability she displayed last year, My Flora could well bounce back here and, even if Overyou proves too strong, she should make the first two.  

Timeform UK SmartPlays

Back Peace Seeker @ 3.953/1 in the 15:10 Wolverhampton
Back Freddie Brown @ 8.615/2 in the 15:30 Kelso
Back My Flora @ 3.6553/20 to win and @ 2.0421/20 to place in the 17:30 Kelso