Our first bet of the day comes in a handicap hurdle at Sedgefield over an extended two miles (14:15) which has the makings of a tricky contest. There are a number of unexposed types in the line-up with the likes of Triple Eight and Dynamic Drive, but the one to get the vote is Recway Lass. She's shown promise in handicap hurdles at Plumpton on her last two starts, and shaped better than the result suggested when finishing third to Al Amaan last time. She lost momentum when stumbling at the sixth flight and to recover in the manner that she did to make the frame suggests she's a horse of considerable determination and ability. She lines up today off a mark of 76 with Wayne Kavanagh claiming 3 lb, and looks to have the potential to improve past that mark at the expense of today's rivals.
We head to Redcar next for a valuable seven-furlong handicap (15:25) in which Dream Walker looks the one to keep on side. He quickly got back on track when second at Yarmouth last week after struggling at the back end of last season. There were legitimate excuses for that dip in form after winning four times in his first campaign with Brian Ellison and if he's able to build on his seasonal reappearance then it would be no surprise to see him return to the winner's enclosure once again. Although he's been racing at eight and nine furlongs he's also won at seven so today's drop back won't pose a problem, and he lines up today with leading claims, although Victoire de Lyphar is respected after Tuesday's win.
We remain at Redcar for the final contest under consideration in which Sheriff of Nawton represents the in-form David O'Meara in concluding handicap (17:05). He was very well backed on his handicap debut at Catterick recently and landed the gamble despite having to overcome a difficult passage during the race. He lines up 7 lb higher than that day but rates as the upwardly mobile type his trainer has so much success with and remains unexposed in this sphere. There are other unexposed types in the line-up, notably Trinity Star and Sicilian Bay, but the selection looked sufficiently ahead of the handicapper last time to defy today's conditions and make it two from two in handicap company.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
Back Recway Lass @ 4.84/1 in the 14:15 at Sedgefield
Back Dream Walker @ 3.55/2 in the 15:25 at Redcar
Back Sheriff of Nawton @3.55/2 in the 17:05 at Redcar
