Timeform UK SmartPlays: Thursday May 9

Tipping a potential favourite in the opening handicap mightn't be seen as an imaginative first move. However, with reference to Simon Rowlands' blog on value yesterday, we can point you in the direction of Beaumont's Party, who probably has a greater chance of winning than current odds convey, favourite or not. He's been something of a revelation since joining the Brian Ellison yard for this season, getting back to his best with wins at Newcastle and Doncaster, the second seemingly sound firm given the subsequent performances from some of those behind. With a suitability for this track (strong traveller/C&D winner) and a good draw, there's a case for Beaumont's Party being shorter than he already is.

Our other two SmartPlays both owe plenty to the uniquely sharp nature of the track. Starting with the Huxley Stakes (14:15), we're going against Bonfire and Gabrial, who have doubts over form and stamina respectively hanging over them. Instead, we're taking Highland Knight, chiefly for the reasons that he's a front runner (albeit not ideally drawn) and evidently in form judging by his second to Trumpet Major at Sandown last time. His stamina is unproven, but unlike Gabrial he's never tried the trip, and if he's ever going to see out 10 furlongs, it's likely to be at Chester.

We're missing out the Chester Vase, which will probably be won by Ruler of The World but his price is short enough, heading instead for the handicap at 15:15. Our angle here is predominantly a pace one, as you'd struggle to pick just one on form, while if you did it probably wouldn't be Sorella Bella. Nonetheless, we're giving her a chance, mostly on account of her being one of the few front-runners in the field and suggestions from her two-year-old form. Although not necessarily the best handicapped in this field off 100 despite finishing second in a Group 1, Sorella Bella was going the right way at the end of the campaign, and it'd be worth excusing her run in the Nell Gwyn, which was apparently needed. She mightn't be the likeliest winner, but from a value perspective Sorella Bella is well worth a shot.

Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Chester

Back Beaumont's Party @ 5.95/1 in the 13:45
Back Highland Knight @ 5.59/2 in the 14:15
Back Sorella Bella @ 11.521/2 in the 15:15