Timeform UK SmartPlays: Friday March 21

We kick off proceedings with a handicap chase over an extend 22 furlongs from Newbury (14:40) and the one to keep on side is Mic's Delight. His attitude in the finish hasn't always been the most convincing, but his last piece of form looks to be as solid as they come. He came third behind subsequent Cheltenham Festival scorer Present View and the highly progressive Ballinvarrig at Kempton last time, with blinkers reached for after a run of indifferent form. They appeared to do the trick and are fitted again today; in all honesty a repeat his performance last time would be enough to see him return to winning ways, and if he's able to build on it then he's capable of putting in an impressive performance and concluding a fine end to the week for handler Victor Dartnall.

It's north to Sedgefield next for a competitive handicap hurdle for novices over two-and-a-half miles (15:25) and the vote goes to the unexposed Knightly Escapade, who has been in good form on the polytrack of late. He followed up a win in a jumpers' bumper with a creditable third in a 17-furlong handicap at Wolverhampton on his last start, in which he shaped far better than the result suggested. He showed a fair level of form over hurdles in the autumn too, finishing runner-up to the likes of Moss Cloud and The Liquidator. He looks to capable of significant further improvement over hurdles off an initial mark of 112 and it would be no surprise to see him give his excellent handler Brian Ellison a win in this valuable contest. 

We return to Newbury for our final bet of the day, a handicap hurdle over an extended two miles (16:20) which looks an interesting contest. Cases could be made for Volnay de Thaix, Kuda Huraa and Ted Spread, but Dormello Mo was the subject of a late plunge on his handicap debut at Sandown a fortnight ago and delivered the goods in style. He was impressive that day and although he lines up off a 12 lb higher mark today, this may not be quite as competitive as his last assignment and he has the profile of an upwardly mobile type still capable of significant improvement in this sphere. It's also a positive that Harry Derham is booked claiming 3 lb, for which he is excellent value, and conditions looks to have fallen right for a bold run from this rapidly improving youngster.  

Timeform UK SmartPlays

Back Mic's Delight @ 5.85/1 in the 14:40 at Newbury
Back Knightly Escapade @ 4.131/10 in the 15:25 at Sedgefield
Back Dormello Mo @ 4.216/5 in the 16:20 at Newbury