Timeform UK SmartPlays: Saturday December 22

We get underway in the 13:45 at Haydock, where the Alan King-trained Bakbenscher is given another chance to build upon his promising seasonal reappearance. The nine-year-old, who is a useful chaser, remains handily treated over hurdles and made an encouraging return from a lengthy absence when fifth at Chepstow in October, doing well considering that he would have been suited by a greater emphasis on stamina. He was unable to back that up at Newbury next time but he shaped much better than the result, travelling as well as any but being hampered several times and having nothing left at the finish. He is worthy of another chance and gains our support today. 

A quick trip to Wolverhampton for the 14:05 is now on the cards, with Red Cape taking the eye for trainer Ruth Carr. The nine-year-old has tasted success on four occasions, in sellers and claimers, this year and he did well in a handicap over C&D last month, going off too hard but still managing to hang on for second. He is allowed to race off the same BHA mark of 70 today and he could prove difficult to peg back. 

The Tommy Whittle Chase takes place for the 31st time today and this looks a decent renewal, with a number making some sort of appeal. The one that stands out, however, is Merry King, trained by Jonjo O'Neill, who scored twice over hurdles on heavy ground last season. The five-year-old has improved since being switched to fences this term, winning a Bangor handicap in November before running an excellent race to finish second at Newbury in what was a really competitive handicap full of unexposed chasers. That contest is working out well, with both Handy Andy and Benheir winning on their next starts, and Merry King looks capable of boosting it even further here. 

Timeform SmartPlays
Back Backbenscher @ 7.87/1 in the 13:45 at Haydock
Back Red Cape @ 8.07/1 in the 14:05 at Wolverhampton
Back Merry King @ 4.3100/30 in the 14:15 at Haydock

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