Timeform UK SmartPlays: Friday December 18

Ozzy Thomas - 13:20 Ascot

There is plenty of potential on show in this novice handicap, though Ozzy Thomas has the dual benefit of some chasing experience and signs of aptitude over fences, without blowing his mark. He was a clear second with Sir Valentino, who has since won again, at Ludlow last time and as such a 3-lb rise shouldn't be able to stop him going close again.

Le Mercurey - 14:30 Ascot

So far, Le Mercurey has taken the route of many similar types from the Nicholls yard, with a quiet season over hurdles (ran in three good handicaps) followed by instant improvement over fences. He was impressive at Plumpton on his debut, beating another useful sort and subsequent winner, and has leading claims upped in grade. It's an up-to-scratch Grade 2 novice, as Killala Quay and Junction Fourteen can attest.

De Plotting Shed - 15:40 Ascot

This is a competitive bumper, but we're very positive about De Plotting Shed after his two starts in Ireland. He was runner-up to one that finished second in a listed race on his debut, then beat an odds-on Mullins charge by five and a half lengths with 30 back to the rest. With Barry Geraghty up, we fancy this to be another successful raid by Gordon Elliott.

Timeform UK SmartPlays (all Ascot)

Back Ozzy Thomas in the 13:20
Back Le Mercurey in the 14:30
Back De Plotting Shed in the 15:40