Timeform UK SmartPlays: Monday August 18

We kick off proceedings with a ten-furlong handicap from Kempton (14:30) and it looks an interesting contest for the grade. Recent York scorer Bishop's Castle remains lightly raced for his age and travelled in such good style last time that he has the potential to do better still. He's hard to ignore, especially since the horse who came third has come out and run well since and despite having a 5 lb rise to contend with, he has the services of the incomparable Ryan Moore to aid him today. Grasped is similarly unexposed and looks the main danger but it's hoped the selection can make his presence felt once again. 

It's  a 12-furlong handicap from Thirsk  under consideration next (15:15) and although the booking of Jamie Spencer is a big plus for hold-up performer Diddy Eric, preference is given to Oliver's Gold. She's been in fine form over hurdles in the last year or so, recording four victories in all and was far from disgraced in coming tenth when set a very stiff task at Market Rasen last time. Providing she's in the same form as in recent times, a lowly flat mark of 46 could turn out to be extremely lenient and it would be no surprise to see her make a mockery of it at the expense of today's rivals. 

We remain at the North Yorkshire track for our final bet of the day which comes in a seven-furlong handicap for three-year-olds (16:15) and the vote goes to handicap debutant Picadilly Jim. Richard Fahey's charge finished nicely clear of the third when chasing home a decent type in Dutch Breeze at Ripon last time and his opening mark looks very lenient on that piece of form. If you also take into account he's likely to appreciate the step up in trip this afternoon, he rates as a good bet to make a winning start in this sphere for his excellent trainer. 

Timeform UK SmartPlays

Back Bishop's Castle @ 5.24/1 in the 14:30 at Kempton
Back Oliver's Gold @ 5.79/2 in the 15:15 at Thirsk
Back Picadilly Jim @ 3.5551/20 in the 16:15 at Thisk