Timeform UK SmartPlays: Sunday February 9

The first bet of the day comes in what looks an informative 19-furlong handicap hurdle (13:55) and the vote goes to recent Warwick winner Dungeness. He coped admirably with the drop to two miles on that occasion to continue a resurgent run of form this season, but he's always looked a horse who will improve for a step up in trip and the extra three furlongs today is sure to suit. He only shoulders an 8 lb rise for his recent victory and he looked to have a little in hand that day; it shouldn't stop him progressing in what looks a less competitive contest than he won at Warwick and he is a confident selection to continue the current purple patch for trainer Venetia Williams. There are a few who have question marks on this ground but The Happy Warrior is unexposed and may give the selection the most to think about. 

It's a staying handicap contest up next over an extended three miles (14:55) and it sees the return of one of the leading novice hurdles of the 2011/12 crop in Fingal Bay. An unsuccessful foray into chasing last season led to him running out spectacularly at this course in December 2012 and despite this being his first start in over a year, he looks to be extremely well handicapped on a bare reading of his hurdles form. He holds an entry for the World Hurdle and if he is to run in that then nothing else than a bold bid will do here; if he retains anything like the ability of old he is capable of winning this without being at the peak of his powers, and is one to keep on side for in-form handler Phillip Hobbs. He holds a strong hand for this race and solid second string If In Doubt may prove the main danger to his stablemate.
 
Our final bet of the day comes in a handicap contest over an extended 22 furlongs (16:00)and it looks a weak contest in which it might pay to take a chance on Rocky Bender. He disappointed at Plumpton last time, but had been on a good run prior to that when a creditable third in a handicap chase at Uttoxeter. Blinkers are reached for today in an effort to warm him to his task and given how well Venetia Williams is placing her horses currently it would be no surprise to see him make his first foray into the winners' enclosure. There aren't many in the way of dangers but Tarabela is most feared returning to hurdling having won twice over timber last season. 

Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Exeter

Back Dungeness @ 3.052/1 in the 13:55
Back Fingal Bay @ 4.216/5 in the 14:25
Back Rocky Bender @ 4.84/1 in the 16:00