Timeform UK SmartPlays: Thursday February 20

We kick off today with the opening novices' handicap hurdle from Huntingdon (14:10) where Qasser holds strong claims. He looked like a horse ahead of his mark when faltering late on in very testing conditions at Catterick after Christmas, and has the potential to go one better today. He'd shown a fair level of form on the flat in Ireland and signs of promise over hurdles prior to his last run, making the frame at Plumpton at the start of December in similarly heavy conditions. He travelled notably strongly for a long way at Catterick, and if in a similar mood today he has more than enough ability to make an impact off the same mark, which may turn out to be a poor reflection of his true ability. Gary Moore's Mr Fickle is one to watch out for on his handicapping debut. 

It's a handicap chase over an extended two-and-a-half miles up next (14:40) and whilst Trojan Blue has a good record at this venue, it may be better to side with Lord of The Dunes. He posted his best effort over hurdles at Taunton last May and was runner-up there on his second start over fences there last month, shaping extremely well. He ran into too classy a rival in Al Alfa, but the fluent way in which he travelled suggested he was capable of improvement and he should relish the step up in trip considering how strongly he stayed on at the finish. He races off a 2 lb higher mark today but should have sufficient improvement in him to go one better than last time and record his first victory over fences. 

Our final bet of the day takes us north to Ayr for the staying handicap chase (16:20) and a 10 lb rise for a recent C&D success may not be enough to halt Oil Burner from continuing his excellent run of recent form. Consistency has not always been the attribute most associated with William Amos' charge and and he had previously shown all of his best form at Carlisle, however he may have found another stomping ground north of the border. He was a creditable third at this track over an inadequate trip at the turn of the year before proving better than ever last time, forging clear after leading two out. If he's in the same mood today he should prove very tough to beat, even with the extra weight he has to shoulder.  

Timeform UK SmartPlays

Back Qasser @ 4.57/2 in the 14:10 at Huntingdon
Back Lord of The Dunes @ 6.05/1 in the 14:40 at Huntingdon
Back Oil Burner @ 3.02/1 in the 16:20 at Ayr