Timeform UK SmartPlays: Saturday August 31

The Tony Carroll-trained Tidal's Baby will need some luck in running in the 14:05 at Sandown, given his usual hold-up style of racing, but the stiff five furlongs should be ideal and he arrives here at the top of his game. The four-year-old gained his first turf win of the season at Windsor last month and, having finished second at Warwick in between, took a hefty step forward when landing a competitive handicap at Goodwood, showing a good attitude as he responded to pressure to cut his rivals down. The booking of Paul Hanagan catches the eye and it is hoped that the gaps open up. 

Richard Fahey looks to hold a strong hand in the 14:55 at Chester, with both Brae Hill and Alejandro likely to go well, but the one we shall side with is Top Notch Tonto, who has a running style which ought to stand him in good stead on the Roodee. Top Notch Tonto has improved since joining Brian Ellison, posting a career-best when second to Breden at Newmarket last time, and a mark of 95 looks to be more than workable. It won't be straightforward with several of interest in opposition, but the vote goes to Top Notch Tonto. 

The Group 3 Atalanta Stakes features several horses with interesting profiles, none more so than the unbeaten Zibelina who arrives here having taken a Group 3 at Deauville on her most recent outing, however her form is not quite at the same level as Integral's and she is the one we will side with. The three-year-old, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, is the second foal of multiple pattern race winner Echelon and she made the perfect start to her career when impressing in success on debut at Goodwood prior to scoring again in a listed race over C&D in July. It's possible that the step up to Group 1 company came too soon when she was beaten in the Nassau Stakes last time, but she was far from disgraced and remains open to further improvement. 

Timeform SmartPlays:
Back Tidal's Baby in the 14:05 at Sandown
Back Top Notch Tonto in the 14:55 at Chester
Back Integral in the 15:15 at Sandown

Have you checked out our new, improved Facebook page? It's the place to go for our features & tips!