Timeform UK SmartPlays: Monday December 29

Desert Joe - 13:05 Newbury

Desert Joe made a better fist of things second-time up over fences when runner-up at Market Rasen this month. He has sound prospects of going one better off the same mark. Azure Fly, Phone Home and Ballyheigue Bay are others arriving in good heart and also entitled to be in the mix.

Vyta du Roc - 14:05 Newbury

This looks a good renewal with half of the field already successful at Grade 2 level, including Vyta du Roc, who had to show battling qualities when landing the four-timer at Sandown recently. He gets the nod ahead of Blaklion, whose only defeat to date came at the hands of Parlour Games at Cheltenham last month.

Singlefarmpayment - 15:15 Newbury

Singlefarmpayment chased home Monbeg Theatre (winner again since) at Southwell last month and has confirmed that was no fluke by going very close at Chepstow. He can take advantage of an attractive opening mark, though recent Wincanton scorer Polamco appears a live danger. Vice Et Vertu and Morito du Berlais also merit consideration.

Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Newbury

Back Desert Joe @ 7.413/2 in the 13:05
Back Vyta du Roc @ 3.412/5 in the 14:10
Back Singlefarmpayment @ 8.27/1 in the 15:15