Timeform UK SmartPlays: Monday November 18

Our first bet comes in the 13:20 at Plumpton over two-and-a-half miles, where Alan King can continue his good run of form with Uxizandre. He was impressive at this track on his chasing debut and can make it two from two today. Up until a serious blunder two out his jumping had made a very positive impression, and the way in which he rallied afterwards to lead close home suggests he was value for further than the actual winning margin. That experience will serve him well and given the fine form the Barbury Castle string are in of late there are very few negatives for his chance today. Of the rest, Funny Star looked unlucky not to make a successful start over fences at Exeter and rates as the main danger.

We stay at Plumpton for our second bet, where its worth taking a chance on V Neck to make a successful debut under rules. Some will find it hard to resist puns surrounding him being a good jumper, but he was an impressive winner of his sole start in points for Richard Barber, and looks an exciting recruit to Paul Nicholls' draft of novice hurdles for this season. He represents powerful connections and is likely to have ability; the only worry is weather his attitude will match it but with A P McCoy in the saddle he looks to have the ideal pilot for his first start. That said Carole's Destrier sets a solid standard on the back of his recent second at Kempton and could give the selection the most to think about. 

Our final selection comes in the 14:40 at Leicester in which Zafranagar, who should probably have won at Wetherby the other day, makes plenty of appeal. The eight-year-old is a free-going sort who has shaped well on both starts for this yard, collared only on line at Wetherby on Saturday. If arriving here in the same form he is likely to take a but of stopping, for all that it is possible to make a case for the likes of Travis County and Bathcounty in opposition.

Timeform UK SmartPlays
Back Uxizandre @ 1.784/5 in the 13:20 at Plumpton
Back V Neck @ 2.26/5 in the 13:50 at Plumpton
Back Zafranagar @ 4.03/1 in the 14:40 at Leicester

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