Timeform UK SmartPlays: Saturday December 28

Dual C&D scorer Moorlands Mist can defy a 10 lb rise in the weights for his success earlier in the month and can get us off to an excellent start by winning the three-mile handicap hurdle at 13:30. Moorlands Mist hasn't been with Phillip Hobbs for long but he has created a good impression on both outings for his current yard, shaping well at Exeter prior to scoring here last time. Moorlands Mist appeared to win with plenty in hand on that occasion, pulling nine lengths clear of the field, and while he has a stiffer task here he looks sure to launch a bold bid.

Conditions at Chepstow are likely to be extremely testing but one horse that should relish the heavy ground is the Alan King-trained Chocala and he has excellent claims of registering a first success in this sphere in the Grade 1 Finale Juvenile Hurdle at 14:00. Chocala progressed well on the Flat during 2013, twice winning with plenty of give in the ground, and he created a good impression on his hurdling bow when finishing third in a strong event at Newbury. Chocala should benefit from that initial experience and his likeable attitude and stamina should ensure that he goes close to winning. NON RUNNER

Highland Lodge bumped into a progressive rival on his seasonal return before running creditably when finishing fourth in the Hennessy and he can gain a deserved victory by capturing the Welsh Grand National (14:35). Highland Lodge made a promising start over fences last season but his progress stalled and he shaped like a horse with a physical problem on a couple of occasions, weakening markedly in the closing stages of races. His trainer went through a prolonged slump, though, which perhaps explains the indifferent performances and with Emma Lavelle firing on all cylinders this season Highland Lodge has been one of the beneficiaries, his problems seemingly a thing of the past. A bold-jumping front runner that goes well on testing ground, Highland Lodge looks an ideal sort for this extreme stamina test and he is worth backing.

Timeform UK SmartPlays:
All at Chepstow

Back Moorlands Mist in the 13:30
Back Chocala in the 14:00 NON RUNNER
Back Highland Lodge in the 14:35