Timeform UK SmartPlays: Friday June 13

Rainbow Rock appears to be getting better with experience, his close-up second at Southwell last time representing improved form, and he can register a first career success in Musselburgh's one-mile handicap at 14:20. Rainbow Rock hinted at promise on three starts as a juvenile, and, despite failing to justify favouritism, he produced an encouraging effort on his reappearance in a minor event at Nottingham, still not looking the finished article as he ran green, his chance not helped by his rider dropping the whip. Rainbow Rock wasn't beaten far on his handicap bow at Southwell, finding only a horse having its first start for the excellent Michael Appleby too strong, and he remains on a fair mark, while the application could also be a help.

We don't have to wait long for our next bet as we recommend backing the Luca Cumani-trained Connecticut in the 14:30 at York. Unsurprisingly, a middle-distance three-year-old handicap at this time of the year, at a premier track, has attracted many unexposed, progressive horses, but the twice-raced Connecticut could be absolutely thrown in from an opening mark of 84. A half-brother to numerous winners, including the smart Castleton, Connecticut caught the eye in no uncertain terms on his debut at Newmarket, staying on powerfully in a strong-looking maiden, and he duly improved to land what is traditionally a red-hot maiden at Newbury. Even based on that bare form a mark of 84 underestimates him, but, with the prospect of more to come, Connecticut should be extremely difficult to beat. 

Our final SmartPlay also runs at York as we side with Phaenomena in the 14-furlong handicap at 16:40. Phaenomena progressed well last season and boasts some strong form, notably a defeat of subsequent wide-margin winner Astonishing at Newmarket, and it would register as little surprise were she to develop into a pattern-race performer this season. The key to Phaenomena would appear to be a galloping track - she failed to meet expectations around the notoriously tight tracks at Chester and Lingfield - and, with stamina seemingly a strong suit, the step up in trip to 14 furlongs looks a positive. The booking of Ryan Moore is an added bonus and Phaenomena can round off the day in good style. 

Timeform UK SmartPlays:
Back Rainbow Rock in the 14:20 at Musselburgh
Back Connecticut in the 14:30 at York
Back Phaenomena in the 16:40