Timeform UK SmartPlays: Friday October 11

We're starting with our only runner over jumps, which comes at Carlisle in their novice handicap chase at 14:45. Bygones of Brid sets a reasonable standard in the race, while Up To Something arrives from the bang-in-form Longsdon yard, but the value appears to lie with Swaledale Lad. His efforts over fences so far have been short of the required standard, but both have contained encouragement, evidenced by him trading shorter in the run. The chances are connections have had one eye on handicaps all along, and with experience now gained and a mark that looks lenient based on the pick of his hurdles form, it looks to be mission accomplished on that score. Swaledale Lad's best effort over timber came here, so we have no fears over his suitability for the track and he rates as one to have onside in even this fairly competitive heat.

Lady Cecil has a big day tomorrow with Tiger Cliff bidding to complete the Ebor-Cesarewitch double, but she ought to have something to celebrate today at York, too. Her Continuum (16:15) looks to have a better chance than the market suggests in the 12-furlong handicap on the Knavesmire. He didn't appear on the racecourse until he was four, but it's easy to see why he was persevered with as a relation of Father Time and Timepiece among others. Continuum's first five outings showed run-by-run improvement, but that was arrested last time. Still, his effort at Newbury wasn't a bad one, while it came in circumstances that were arguably adverse, so he's well worth taking a chance on. There's also the idea that this big-field scenario ought to suit this colt, who appears to have inherited quirks as well as ability, in common with his siblings.

We change tack again for our last selection, which runs on the all-weather (Wolverhampton 19:40). In a field of exposed rivals, the unexposed Oscillate Wildly and improving Alpine Mysteries stand out, with preference for the former. Oscillate Wildly, who is owned by QPR midfielder Joey Barton and is presumably named after an instrumental track by The Smiths, ran to a fair level on two of his three starts in maidens and finished fourth in a strong handicap at Haydock last time, never getting on terms but all the same suggesting he's on a fair mark. He's now been upped in trip, which admittedly isn't certain to suit, but Oscillate Wildly has so much in his favour otherwise that he's recommended against this lesser field at around 5.49/2.

Timeform UK SmartPlays

Back Swaledale Lad @ 7.87/1 in the 14:45 Carlisle
Back Continuum @ 14.013/1 in the 16:15 York
Back Oscillate Wildly @ 5.49/2 in the 19:40 Wolverhampton

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