Timeform UK SmartPlays: Sunday March 2

Our first bet of the day comes in the staying handicap hurdle (14:40) over an extended 27 furlongs, and its sure to be an attritional contest. Big Sound clearly wasn't 100% at Catterick last time, and has shown a patchy level of form since winning at Hexham in June. He was well backed on his last run but was clearly out of sorts, and it may be that a breathing issue was to blame as a tongue-tie has been added to his cheekpieces. Irrespective of the effect that has on him this contest looks a lot more winnable than those he's been competing in previously, and he looks likely to get his head back in front. Brae On probably rates as the main danger given that he's thriving at present, but should have to make do with second place if the selection is back on form. 

It's a handicap chase over two and a half miles up next (15:10) and it might pay to take a chance on See What Happens. He's a horse who has promised more than he's actually delivered when making the frame four times over fences; ability is not the issue as he's won in the pointing field and over hurdles, and it may be he needs the handicapper to give him a chance. Luckily for us he's done just that, and he races today off a mark of 104. That should give him more than enough of an advantage to record his first victory over fences, providing he is none the worse for a three-month break. Baltic Pathfinder may prove the pick of the Sue Smith pair and any of her runners have to be respected at this track, but he's put in too many jumping errors recently to be of any real concern. 

The final contest under consideration is a handicap hurdle over two and a half miles (15:40) and whilst any market support for Keeneland on his belated return to action would look very significant, as it stands it's better to go with Ben Cee Pee M. He's not always looked the most straightforward character but quickly got into the groove for current handler Brian Ellison when a back-to-back winner at this track last year. He was brought down in the early stages when last seen in October, and providing he is sufficiently fit and retains his ability he has an excellent chance at a course which he clearly goes well at. 

Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Sedgefield

Back Big Sound in the 14:40
Back See What Happens in the 15:10
Back Ben Cee Pee M in the 15:40