Timeform UK SmartPlays: Friday 26 July

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Themaxwecan - 15:00 Ascot

After winning his first two starts, the step up to handicap and his attempts at better haven't yielded a further success for THEMAXWECAN but that can change here. His last three starts have all given the impression he needs further than the mile and six furlongs, which he gets today. Now at two miles for the first time and receiving more than a stone in weight-for-age allowance, he can improve past his older rivals and register a first success outside of minor company.

Lay
Laikaparty - 18:10 Newmarket

Archie Watson's LAIKAPARTY ran to a fairly useful level on debut when beaten a nose at Lingfield but could be vulnerable here. A few powerful yards are represented and better shows are expected from their representatives, especially Angel Grey, who stayed on extremely well late in the day after being short of room inside the final furlong. That was a stronger contest and she can improve from her debut. Hamish Macbeth is another that can put up a bold show with previous experience behind him.

SmartStat
Path of Thunder -18:40 Newmarket

25% - Charlie Appleby's strike rate at NEWMARKET (JULY) since the start of the 2015 season

The subsequent form of PATH OF THUNDER's three minor events are working out to be extremely strong, suggesting he could be well treated off a mark of 84. This expensive breeze-up purchase didn't live up to market expectation on debut but the winner that day finished second in the Coventry. His next start was a neck second behind the eventual Superlative Stakes third and he saw off three subsequent winners last time out to record a first success at Haydock. Charlie Appleby has a great strike rate at Newmarket and that can be added to here.