Timeform SmartPlays: Thursday, November 8

A winner on his first two outings over hurdles last term, Highland Lodge can get today's SmartPlay column off to a flying start by claiming the opening contest at Towcester on his chasing debut. Having graduated from the point-to-point fields, Emma Lavelle's imposing gelding looks like he will be ideally suited to tackling the larger obstacles and, though he has to bounce back from a disappointing effort when last seen in January, he ought to prove superior to his rivals.

Purcell's Bridge produced a much improved performance to win at Wetherby last week and today's 15:00 at Musselburgh provides him with a good opportunity to supplement that recent success. The fact that Purcell's Bridge won a conditional riders' handicap means that he escapes a penalty and he holds obvious claims racing off the same mark here. 

Samenerve (15:20 Towcester) made little impression on his first start for Nigel Twiston-Davies, weakening quickly after failing to impress with his jumping. However, today's opponents aren't so strong and the fitting of a tongue-tie may help to produce an improved effort. He had displayed a fair bit of ability in France prior to moving yard and we will take a chance that he can outclass his rivals here.

Timeform SmartPlays:

Back Highland Lodge @ 2.3411/8 in the 12:50 at Towcester
Back Purcell's Bridge @ 2.8615/8 in the 15:00 at Musselburgh
Back Samenerve @ 3.412/5 in the 15:20 at Towcester

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