Timeform UK SmartPlays: Friday January 17

We kick off proceedings with a conditional jockeys' handicap chase (13:15) over three miles and Twice Lucky makes the most appeal. Although he has just the one win under rules to his name we've seen a marked improvement in his jumping of late and he's kept mistakes to a minimum when runner-up the last twice. He was worn down late at Catterick last month but given the form his yard is in it would be no surprise to see him gain compensation here and get his name back on the scoresheet. Call Me Mulligan shaped with promise on his last run and probably rates as the main danger. 

Up next is a handicap hurdle over the minimum trip (14:45) in which a number of well-treated contenders are set to do battle. Sky Khan starts out for a new stable on a very fair mark and Discovery Bay is interesting with McCoy on board but the vote goes to Clever Cookie. He won a bumper here and at Market Rasen on his first two starts and has taken pretty well to hurdling, finding just one too good on both occasions. Now in handicap company he is capable of making his mark and looks open to plenty of progress, with a bold bid expected.

Our final bet of the day comes in a handicap chase over two-and-a-half miles (15:20) where Drumlang looks capable of defying a 7 lb rise for his emphatic Leicester win. He opened his chasing account over two miles at Ludlow in October after which he put in some creditable efforts, even if they were a tad disappointing. That was not the case last time however as he ran out a wide-margin winner and although he'll need to improve to win again here, he looks a horse capable of doing so. Palos Conti and Rudemeister also hold claims in what is a competitive contest. 

Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Musselburgh

Back Twice Lucky @ 2.789/5 in the 13:15
Back Clever Cookie @ 5.49/2 in the 14:45
Back Drumlang @ 10.09/1 in the 15:20