Timeform UK SmartPlays: Sunday, February 10

In a race that throws together two of this season's leading novice hurdlers, we side with the unbeaten Puffin Billy to get the better of Jeremy Scott's Melodic Rendezvous (14:30). Most impressive when sauntering to two bumper successes, Puffin Billy has taken the switch to hurdling in his stride, landing a pair of races, including a Grade 2 last time, with the minimum of fuss. We have yet to find out just how talented Oliver Sherwood's exciting prospect really is and he should take this before having a crack at one of the Festival's championship novice events.

The following race is one of the more competitive Graduation Chases you will see, but there could still be a bet in the race in the shape of Harry Topper. Kim Bailey's novice comes up against some more established rivals but, considering he has had just the two starts over fences, he probably has more to offer in this sphere. Starting out his chasing campaign with a win over C&D, Harry Topper then went on to register another victory, this time at Newbury, showing a good attitude and staying on strongly to prevail. We will take a chance that the six-year-old improves again and wins the 15:00.

Bally Legend managed to snap a frustrating run of seconds when winning at Kempton last time and is taken to supplement that success in the 15:30 at Exeter. Bally Legend narrowly got the better of Niceonefrankie on that occasion, staying on well in the closing stages to assert, and he can confirm his superiority over the Venetia Williams-trained runner who reopposes here. Rouge Et Blanc appeared to improve markedly when scoring at Huntingdon on Thursday and would rate as a danger if able to replicate that form, but Bally Legend looks like a solid proposition and will be our final SmartPlay. 

Timeform SmartPlays:
All at Exeter

Back Puffin Billy @ 1.654/6 in the 14:30
Back Harry Topper @ 2.3811/8 in the 15:00
Back Bally Legend @ 8.27/1 in the 15:30

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