Timeform UK SmartPlays: Saturday December 5

Pienau de Re - 13:40 Aintree

There's been a lot of talk about Many Clouds potentially becoming the first Grand National winner to win another race on Saturday, but Pineau de Re races 35 minutes earlier and may beat him to the punch. Now rated 2 lb lower than when he won the National and back on soft ground that seems to suit, Pineau de Re has good claims in the Becher. Saint Are, runner-up to Many Clouds in this year's National, heads the dangers.

Bristol de Mai - 13:55 Sandown

As de Mee and Willow's Saviour are promising chasers, no doubt about it, but Bristol de Mai confirmed his place as one of the most exciting novices on these shores when jumping superbly to thump Karezak and others at Warwick in November. Not only that, but he receives a 6-lb weight-for-age allowance, one we at Timeform don't adjudge to be necessary.

Vibrato Valtat - 15:00 Sandown

Some Tingle Creeks, like this year's, are competitive, others aren't. Most tend to be won by Paul Nicholls- he's won the majority of renewals so far this century. Vibrato Valtat isn't yet at the level of most of Nicholls' winners, though he's just the sort that the Champion Trainer will keep improving. His form is also demonstrably excellent and in this race he's virtually alone in that.

Timeform UK SmartPlays

Back Pineau de Re in the 13:40 Aintree
Back Bristol de Main in the 13:55 Sandown
Back Vibrato Valtat in the 15:00