Timeform UK SmartPlays: Friday May 18

Sandusky looks a horse firmly on the upgrade and can go well in the 16:10 at York. Twice a winner in 2011, he maintained his progressive profile when finishing a good fourth over a mile and a half at Newmarket on his reappearance recently. The drop back to an extended mile and and a quarter shouldn't be a problem and, with further improvement likely, the useful prospect looks overpriced at around 7.06/1.

At Newbury it may pay to side with Swiss Spirit in the six-furlong listed Carnavon Stakes at 16:20. The Invincible Spirit colt was a maiden winner over the distance at York on his second start as a tw-year-old and stepped up on his juvenile form when a good second in a valuable sales event at Newmarket on his reappearance last month. Swiss Spirit looks the type to continue progressing and should go very close.

Returning to York, Priestley's Reward is an interesting contender in the 16:45. Likely favourite Daneking will no doubt be popular representing top connections (holds entry in Derby) but Priestley's Reward reappears quickly having won a Ripon handicap on Monday with a bit to spare, the first-time visor worn seeming to bring about further improvement. That equipment is retained and with the step up in trip likely to suit he has obvious claims under 6 lb penalty.

Timeform SmartPlays

Back Sandusky at 7.06/1 in the 16:10 at York
Back Swiss Spirit at 4.77/2 in the 16:20 at Newbury
Back Priestley's Reward at 8.88/1 in the 16:45 at York

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