Timeform UK SmartPlays: Friday November 15

It's worth stressing that Standing Ovation is by far the likeliest winner in the opener (13:05). There's no reason to oppose him at around 2.68/5, that being a fair reflection of his chance, but a more sensible bet at slightly bigger odds is to back Fredo to make the first three. He arrives here from the corresponding race at the Showcase, as do winner Hunters Lodge and Handy Andy. Fredo and Handy Andy both shaped better than the winner, the latter especially so, but he tied up badly close home and that raises concerns just four weeks on. Fredo, on the other hand, has been given a break by the handicapper and looked set to go close before almost coming down at the last. Assuming he can cut out the mistakes today, he's handicapped to run Standing Ovation close.

Rydalis couldn't quite get the job done for this column yesterday, but her bold showing is another advertisement for the current form of the Venetia Williams string and it's to be hoped that Renard can also help the cause in the 13:35. He started last season rated 142 by the BHA, but only periodically showed his worth, as a result slipping 10 lb before the start of this season. On his reappearance, over two and a half miles at this track, Renard shaped much better than the result, going with enthusiasm and briefly looking as though he might have nicked it before his fitness gave out over a trip that's far enough for him. He ultimately finished seventh and was surprisingly dropped a further 3 lb, putting him 6 lb below his last winning mark. If fitter today, in line with his stable as a whole, Renard looks outstandingly handicapped in even this ultra-competitive heat.

The intermediate handicap hurdle at 14:40 is this year named after late owner David Johnson, who along with the Pipe yard farmed this meeting for many years around the turn of the century. With none of today's runners wearing the famous blue-and-green silks, the next most fitting winner might be one in other colours synonymous with Cheltenham success, those of JP McManus. McManus owns our selection Upswing, which also happens to be ridden by AP McCoy who has partnered so many Johnson-owned horses to success among his 4000-plus winners. Upswing has followed a textbook path for those trained by Jonjo O'Neill, taking off when switched to handicaps, scoring in impressive fashion in two races at Carlisle seven months apart. He barely came off the bridle when taking the second of those contests, reeling in Coverholder at the last despite giving him a somewhat generous start. A 10-lb rise seems fair enough on the bare form, though with further improvement anticipated Upswing has a strong chance of completing the hat-trick.

Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Cheltenham

Back Fredo to place @ 2.8815/8 in the 13:05
Back Renard @ 7.06/1 in the 13:35
Back Upswing @ 8.615/2 in the 14:40 

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