Timeform UK SmartPlays: Friday May 4

David Barron is in good form at the moment, saddling a further three winners from 16 runners since Tres Coronas scored at Newcastle on April 14, and his Muffin Mcleay (15:30) looks an intriguing contender in the second nine-furlong handicap at Musselburgh on what will be his first start for nearly nine months. Muffic Mcleay showed huge improvement from his first three outings when coasting home in a soft-ground nine-furlong maiden at Hamilton (third Shalloon won next time) in June before matching that effort with a second to a next-time-out winner in a handicap over the same course and distance in similar conditions two months later. If fully wound up for his reappearance Muffin Mcleay should take plenty of beating from an inside draw.

While it's acknowledged that the propensity to bleed has often held Evella (17:45) back (she's pulled up in four of her last six races), Neil King's mare is now very well handicapped and came agonisingly close to proving the point when second off a BHA mark of 101 in a handicap at Fontwell a fortnight ago. Evella was tongue tied for the first time that day and it's hoped that the breathing aid can again have a positive effect back at the track with have the eight-year-old having only been raised 1 lb. With Russian Conquest having been ridden more patiently in recent starts, Evella may well get her own way in front too.

At the time, Pretty Penny's (19:45) win in a handicap chase at Plumpton in January appeared ordinary form but with runner-up Ballinhassig improving to score next time and the fifth, sixth and seventh all stepping up to record in-frame efforts on their next starts it was actually a pretty good performance. Similar comments also apply to Pretty Penny's subsequent sixth of 16 in a similar race at Leicester as the third, fourth and seventh all won next time and the first, second and tenth all finished second in their follow-up races. The booking of Timmy Murphy catches the eye and Pretty Penny will be suited by the return to today's stamina test on her first run following a short break.

Timeform SmartPlays

Back Muffin Mcleay @ 4.84/1 in the 15:30 at Musselburgh
Back Evella @ 3.814/5 in the 17:45 at Fontwell
Back Pretty Penny @ 5.14/1 in the 19:45 at Fontwell

Get open access to Timeform data for just £2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More!