Timeform UK SmartPlays: Friday February 28

We kick off proceedings with a handicap hurdle from Doncaster over an extended two miles (14:10) in which plenty that line up look to be in the grips of the handicapper.  As a result it might pay to side with one who isn't like Ergo Sum, who put in a much improved performance on his handicap bow here last month. He travelled like the best horse in the race for a long way, only to eventually lose out to the re-opposing Easydoesit by five lengths. However the selection looks the horse capable of further improvement and is receiving 13 lb from that rival today if you include the claim of the capable Robert Dunne. It would be no surprise to see him reverse the placings from last time and record the first success of his career, although one to watch out for is handicap debutant Polstar, who is worth a market check.

We head south to Newbury for the second contest under consideration, a novices' handicap chase over an extended 21 furlongs (15:20) in the hope that Perfect Candidate lives up to his name. He showed a fair level of form over hurdles when placed twice in four starts, but immediately progressed when switched to fences. His debut came at Doncaster and despite some novicey errors, he confirmed the impression his physique had always given that going chasing would be the making of him. The attitude he showed in the finish was particularly likeable and there is sure to be more to come from him in this sphere. He is taken to build on the promise of his debut and record his first victory over the larger obstacles; Ultimatum du Roy is feared most from the opposition as he remains well-handicapped.  

We return to Townmoor for our final bet of the day in the handicap chase over 19 furlongs (16:55) in which King of The Wolds looks the pick. He evidently has ability, scoring in both bumpers and over hurdles before winning his first two chases in the autumn, but hasn't been in the same form since. Both those outings were over two miles and it looks as if the minimum trip does not play to his strengths at all. As a result the extra three furlongs today looks sure to be in his favour, and given that he is 1 lb below his last winning mark and remains capable of further improvement in this sphere, he has an excellent chance of returning to winning ways. There are dangers and Shadows Lengthen probably looks the pick at the weights getting 5 lb from the selection, but his jumping is too suspect for our purposes. 

Timeform UK SmartPlays

Back Ergo Sum @ 6.411/2 in the 14:10 at Doncaster
Back Perfect Candidate @ 4.57/2 in the 15:25 at Newbury
Back King of The Wolds @ 3.1511/5 in the 16:55 at Doncaster