Timeform UK SmartPlays: New Year's Day, Thursday January 1

Cheltenham 13:55 - Splash of Ginge

Splash of Ginge was in the process of running a good race when coming down in the December Gold Cup and compensation awaits for last season's Betfair Hurdle winner. It was too far out to say for certain whether Splash of Ginge would have won the December Gold Cup, but he was certainly going strongly, and he could yet have more to offer as a chaser, this just his fifth start over fences.

Cheltenham 14:30 - Southfield Vic

Wide-margin novices' hurdle winner Southfield Vic makes his handicap from a potentially-lenient mark and he can cash in. Southfield Vic didn't need to improve to get off the mark over hurdles at Taunton, but he went through the race like a horse benefiting from the step up in trip, and he remains with plenty of potential, especially as a stayer. Southfield Vic is in excellent hands and can enhance the positive impression he's created in his burgeoning career.

Cheltenham 15:05 - Vaniteux

Vaniteux couldn't throw down a meaningful challenge to The New One in the International Hurdle last time, but he faces a slightly lesser calibre of rival here and is again favoured by the conditions of the race, so has to be respected. Vaniteux was progressive as a novice last season, his campaign culminating with a good third in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, and he picked up where he left off when producing a career-best effort to finish runner-up in the Greatwood Hurdle, despite racing along the unfavoured inside. He remains with the scope for better, should stay this trip, and looks sure to launch a serious challenge. 

Timeform UK SmartPlays:
All at Cheltenham

Back Splash of Ginge in the 13:55
Back Southfield Vic in the 14:30
Back Vaniteux in the 15:05