Musselburgh's seven-furlong handicap (16:05) is one of the races of the day and is accordingly full of interesting sorts. Even so, there's a chance that Just Paul has been underplayed by the betting. His five wins in 2013 included two over this C&D and, beyond bare position figures, his two runs this season give weight to the idea that he's still improving. He was beaten just two necks in a competitive big-field event at Redcar recently, that representing a career-best effort with his reappearance run behind him. Now Just Paul has even more in his favour, surely up to speed and at a course that evidently suits his style, so there's a good case for him even in this field.
Value- and therefore SmartPlays- can come at any price. Our bet in the 16:40 at Musselburgh is under 3.02/1, but could actually be better value than most. The race certainly isn't as strong as the previous one and Cavalieri really ought to win if he's in the same form as at Catterick last week. There he built on an encouraging reappearance to win in style, his superiority greater than the margin of less than two lengths can imply. He teams up with the same 7-lb claimer here, while the ease of that success last week suggests he shouldn't have any problem being ready for this next test under a penalty.
Finally to Fontwell, where the 17:55 looks set up for a bet. Cloud Creeper is currently fighting for favouritism when in truth he should have room to spare. He showed his fairly-useful credentials on several occasions on novices and shouldn't be judged on his handicap debut last time: he looked dangerous prior to being badly hampered three out. He also reportedly bled, which wouldn't be the first time, but in truth that's the only down side. The unexposed Cloud Creeper looks every inch the type to win handicaps this summer and this intermediate trip holds no fears for him.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
Back Just Paul @ 5.24/1 in the 16:05 Musselburgh
Back Cavalieri @ 2.727/4 in the 16:40 Musselburgh
Back Cloud Creeper @ 5.24/1 in the 17:55 Fontwell
