Timeform UK SmartPlays: Friday December 13

We start with the opening contest of the two-day December meeting at Prestbury Park, and what looks to be a tactical novices' chase over two miles and five furlongs (12:30). Oscar Whisky merits huge respect given what he's achieved over hurdles, and he jumped well once he'd got his act together here last time, but preference is for Wonderful Charm. He has looked a natural over fences on his three starts thus far, winning all of them jumping impeccably on his debut at Fakenham in October. He's since taken a step up wining Grade 2s at Wincanton and Newbury, and today represents an excellent opportunity to continue his rise through the novice chasing ranks. 

It's a staying handicap chase (14:10) under consideration next in which Hennessy third Theatre Guide, who put in his best performance to date at Newbury last time, has a good opportunity to return to winning ways. He won novice chases at Exeter and Newton Abbot last season and if none the worse for his exertions a fortnight ago, he should be bang there. Little separates Monbeg Dude and Knockara Beau on their running here over a longer trip last month, and they look the most likely to give the selection something to think about.

Our final bet from Cheltenham comes in the three-mile handicap hurdle (15:15) and Thomas Crapper, seeking a hat-trick of competitive contests at this course, is sure to be popular. However three miles is very much unknown territory for him and its better to side with the progressive Southfield Theatre, who took another step forward when third on his handicap bow here last month. He can reverse the form with the re-opposing Return Spring and regain the wining thread for Paul Nicholls, who could be set for another bumper weekend.  Abruzzi and Sunnyhillboy, who looks well handicapped over hurdles, rate as the main dangers. 

Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Cheltenham

Back Wonderful Charm @ 2.35/4 in the 12:30
Back Theatre Guide @ 4.94/1 in the 14:10
Back Southfield Theatre @ 4.77/2 in the 15:15