Timeform UK SmartPlays: Saturday January 3

Sandown 13:50 - Mr Mole

Mr Mole is a quirky type, but he also has plenty of ability and could prove a class apart if on a going day. Mr Mole looked as good as ever on his seasonal return at Exeter, where he jumped accurately and travelled powerfully, and a reproduction of that kind of performance would make him difficult to beat. He returns to handicap company on a good mark, with the potential to improve further, and he is a big player. 

Lingfield 14:00 - John Reel

Plenty are in with a chance here, but there's no doubt that the most interesting contender is wide-margin maiden winner John Reel who makes his handicap bow from a fair-looking mark. John Reel started life in bumpers, winning on debut at Ffos Las, and looked a decent prospect over hurdles when scoring at Leicester. He looks to have found his calling as a middle-distance Flat horse, though, based on the impression he created when winning at Wolverhampton over just shy of 14 furlongs. John Reel displayed a striking turn of foot to destroy some admittedly-moderate rivals in a fast time, suggesting this drop back in trip won't pose a problem, and he remains open to significant improvement.  

Sandown 15:00 - Amore Alato

Amore Alato was set some stiff tasks as a novice, but he often performed with credit, including when taking a couple of notable scalps at Kempton on Boxing Day 2013, and he looks to have returned as an improved performer this season based on his excellent second over C&D last month. True, Amore Alato was seen to maximum advantage, well positioned to strike, but he is unlikely to bump into anything so well handicapped as his conqueror last time, and should give a good account. 

Timeform UK SmartPlays:

Back Mr Mole in the 13:50 at Sandown
Back John Reel in the 14:00 at Lingfield
Back Amore Alato in the 15:00 at Sandown