Timeform UK SmartPlays: Monday June 9

We start in the novice hurdle at 15:15. In these sorts of races it's usually a case of betting to marginal gains and so it is in this instance. Still, that shouldn't be taken as a softener of our view: that Sergeant Thunder really ought to be favourite ahead of Manjakani. That's not to say we're necessarily down on Manjakani, whose Flat form is to be respected, though form to date points more strongly in Sergeant Thunder's direction. He had legitimate excuses on each of his first two starts for Paul Nicholls and left a fairly deep impression when running away with a race at Worcester last time. Longer trips will suit in time and it follows that a test of raw speed would play into Manjakani's hands, though bumper winner Sergeant Thunder is no slouch and will probably find today's race drawing a bit more from him.

The 16:15 is another race in which outstanding claims are being underplayed. We can at least hazard a guess at why punters are reticent to plough into Applause For Amy, who improved suddenly last time for a relatively small yard. Nevertheless, that she's been raised only 6 lb for coming clear with the runner-up at Wincanton last time should be noted, while the extraordinary test of speed that Wincanton provides probably didn't suit ideally, either. This 17-furlong trip ought to be more suitable and if Applause For Amy is in the same form she is bound to go very close.

Bet three comes in the 16:45. Neverownup is our idea of the likeliest winner, though if anything his price is cautious. There is a standout second-best as far as we're concerned, namely The Rattler Obrien, whose odds are much more enticing. Part of this could be to do with his connections, Martin Hill not as celebrated as Grand National winner Richard Newland, but in The Rattler Obrien Hill has a horse that's as progressive as many you'd see emerge from the Newland yard. He shaped well at Stratford last time, finding only the well-ridden winner too good and coming clear of the rest. You get the impression that The Rattler Obrien can win an ordinary race from a BHA mark of 110. Neverownup could stop that happening today, though The Rattler Obrien ought to be up there and so an each-way bet looks to pose little risk.

Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Newton Abbot

Back Sergeant Thunder @ 3.211/5 in the 15:15
Back Applause For Amy @ 6.411/2 in the 16:15
Back The Rattler Obrien @ 6.25/1 to win and 2.021/1 to place in the 16:45