Warden Hill could never make an impact in a strong 21-furlong handicap at Cheltenham last time, but the step up in trip to three miles ought to suit him and he can take the novices' hurdle at Doncaster (12:25). Warden Hill showed fairly useful form on three starts over hurdles last season, failing to get his head in front but making the frame each time. Having retained his novice status, Warden Hill impressed on his seasonal reappearance at Kempton, winning despite the steadily-run race offering a barely adequate test of stamina. He then went on to run at Cheltenham and the way in which he kept on from an impossible position suggested that he ought to relish tackling three miles, while the return to this less competitive company is also sure to help, and he can get us off to a flying start.
We head to Lingfield for our next bet as we side with the Victor Dartnell-trained Henry King in the handicap chase at 12:50. Henry King is by no means the most reliable of propositions (has shaped as if amiss before) but he produced a noteworthy performance on his return at Uttoxeter, looking sure to play a part in the finish when making a hash of the final fence. Henry King's overall profile doesn't inspire confidence that he will build on the effort (has gone well fresh before) but it is worth noting that many of the trainer's runners have been needing their first run this season, so an improved performance from Henry King is by no means out of the question.
Our final SmartPlay runs at Cheltenham in the competitive-looking handicap chase at 13:15. Despite not always being the most fluent of jumpers, Petit Robin has shown very smart form as a chaser, making the frame in Grade 1 company on a number of occasions earlier in his career, and he showed during a successful campaign last year - when ridden by this jockey - that he still retains plenty of ability. He has a good record when fresh, is fairly treated and looks likely to give a good account. Tanks For That is handicapped to take this field apart, competing off a 2 lb lower mark than when runner-up in the 2012 Grand Annual Chase and racing under optimum conditions, but, for all he is entitled to maximum respect, his stablemate Petit Robin is the more reliable and gets the narrow vote.
Timeform UK SmartPlays:
Back Warden Hill in the 12:25 at Doncaster
Back Henry King in the 12:50 at Lingfield
Back Petit Robin in the 13:15 at Cheltenham
