Timeform UK SmartPlays: Sunday March 9

We kick off proceedings with a handicap hurdle over 21 furlongs (14:20) and Sweet Boy Vic looks to hold very strong claims to finally shedding his maiden tag. He's very unlucky not to have won in his career thus far, having run into three well-handicapped rivals in his last three starts in 2014; those horses were Mudita Moment and Waldorf Salad trained by Venetia Williams and Tarabela of Johnny Farrelly's, and there do not appear to be any such rivals in today's contest. He's shaped well on all three occasions and it remains very likely he is ahead of his current mark of 89. He receives weight from the entire field and is a confident selection to gain a well-deserved first success, although both Miss Lucky Penny and Unknown legend are open to progress now eligible for handicap company. 

Up next is a novices' handicap chase for mares over an extended two-and-a-half miles (14:50) in which Miss Ballantyne could be the one capable of most significant forward progress. She was progressive over hurdles, winning at Huntingdon last February before finishing third on her handicap debut; it's pretty likely she needed the run on her chase debut at Sandown in December given it was her first start in eight months. She remains lightly raced in her career thus far and has always had the look of a horse who would improve for the switch to the larger obstacles.  There are dangers in the form of Stone Light who is probably the pick of the weights, but the way she went through her race at Newbury last month suggests she may struggle with the step up in trip. As a result the Nicky Henderson's mare is a confident selection to start an upward trajectory and record her first win over fences. 

Our last bet of the day comes in a staying novices' hurdle over 25 furlongs (15:20) and it might pay to side with Walk On Al who acquitted himself well last time. That was when finishing fourth to Urban Hymn in a Grade 2 at Doncaster and although he carries a penalty resulting from his previous Southwell success, this looks a far less competitive contest than last time and he should have enough class in the locker to make it two wins from in four starts for trainer Dan Skelton. The trip and likely emphasis on stamina is not going to be a problem and if he can build on what he showed on Town Moor then he looks to hold very strong claims, although it's worth mentioning that both Algernon Pazham and Island Cruise went close on their latest outings and might play a hand in the finish. 

Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Warwick

Back Sweet Boy Vic in the 14:20
Back Miss Ballantyne in the 14:50
Back Walk On Al in the 15:20