Timeform UK SmartPlays: Monday December 10

We start at Musselburgh, in their handicap hurdle over an extended three miles at 13:50. As a 0-100, it almost goes without saying that interesting sorts are thin on the ground, which only helps the case for our selection, Word of Warning. It's fair to say that Word of Warning's win record has been poor (last success in summer 2010), but there is now plenty in place for him to run a big race today. Firstly, there's his being potentially well treated, something he hinted at when coming clear with another two on good marks here last time; a subsequent rise of 4lb still leaves him well below his last winning mark. Secondly, there's the trip which, although an unknown, should be well within Word of Warning's grasp, given both the manner in which he's stayed on in races over shorter trips and the fact that his pedigree, although Flat-based, has plenty of stamina in it. All in all, he looks very interesting in a fairly weak race.

We stay at Musselburgh for SmartPlay number two, which runs in their very next race. This contest is a bit more competitive than the 13:50, but the betting would suggest that Castletown Bridge is especially noteworthy and we'd be inclined to agree. A near useful performer in bumpers, Castletown Bridge has only just started to warm to his task over hurdles, looking like one belatedly set to take advantage of his modest mark when finishing second to Dormouse (has won again subsequently) at Warwick last time. There's a chance that a speed test will always suit Castletown Bridge best, but this sharp track could help him see out two and a half miles. Throw in the continued excellent run of his yard and there's every reason to see Castletown Bridge going close today.

Just 10 minutes later, Fakenham plays host to our final selection. You might forgive Nicky Henderson not having the same buzz about Lieutenant Miller that he would about Sprinter Sacre, but you might more money backing the former. He remains fairly unexposed as a handicap hurdler, still on the same mark as when runner-up at Ffos Las over the summer, while he's shown a good deal on the Flat since, winning a minor event at Pontefract over 18 furlongs. That suggests that this new trip of just shy of three miles over a sharp track could eke out that bit more improvement from Lieutenant Miller, which would more than likely be enough to have him setting the standard in this race.

Timeform UK SmartPlays

Back Word of Warning @ 7.413/2 in the 13:50 at Musselburgh
Back Castletown Bridge @ 4.47/2 in the 14:20 at Musselburgh
Back Lieutenant Miller @ 3.7511/4 in the 14:30 at Fakenham