Timeform UK SmartPlays: Monday December 9

The opener at 12:15 is closely contested, but there is one that could just blow the race apart. Alpha One has won from his current BHA mark of 107 already and shaped as though returning to his best form when a close-up third over an inadequate trip at Wetherby. Here he steps back up to two and a half miles, the sort of trip over which his best efforts have come, while concerns over his jumping are assuaged somewhat by the fact he's already run well over Musselburgh's fences.

Half an hour later there's a novice handicap hurdle for which Momkinzain is favourite. As one that run well through the summer and autumn he's respected, but greater value lies elsewhere. Specifically, Brunello is totally unexposed as a hurdler having run just twice in this sphere, showing aptitude for it on both occasions but ultimately finishing quite well held in fourth. As a result he's secured a BHA mark of 102, totally realistic based on his fair Flat form, while this two-and-a-half-mile trip will probably be more suitable than two miles given how well he stayed on the level. There is always a risk involved with such inexperienced types, but at current prices Brunello is well worth taking a chance on.

Our final stop is one of the Class 3 handicaps on the card, the 14:20 also over two and a half miles. Two of the runners, Ueueteotl and Merchant of Dubai, met here last month, the former running out a convincing winner. However there's an 8 lb swing today and with the runner-up well treated even on his recent Flat form he is a value play to turn the tables. He's only had three starts over hurdles, but his jumping has looked fine and he's been around the block often enough on the Flat, so we can be confident of Merchant of Dubai doing himself justice if he's in the mood. Experience tells us he will be.

Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Musselburgh

Back Alpha One in the 12:15
Back Brunello in the 12:45
Back Merchant of Dubai in the 14:20

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