Timeform UK SmartPlays: Thursday February 27

Our first two selections both run at Ludlow, starting with the 14:30. It's a C&D event back in December that could be the key here. That day, Cloudy Joker held off Benbens by a head after the latter had hit the second-last fence. For the pair to be so closely matched, yet the runner-up meeting on 7-lb better terms now, makes Benbens a bet even if the market reflects the reversal in circumstances. The fact that the pair dominate the betting looks to be justified, as their previous meeting appeals as strong form with the third and fourth both winning next time and others from the race running well since.

Dancingtilmidnight has been very popular in the following handicap hurdle (15:00), which is a concern as he is respected. Nonetheless, there has been a knock-on effect of Molly's A Diva being a little bigger than we might otherwise have expected and she remains the one we want to be with. She was one of the best mares around in bumpers last season but has rather surprisingly struggled to recapture that sort of form over hurdles, a dead-heat at Warwick on New Year's Eve her best effort thus far. She essentially had no chance in a listed race last time but has had headgear fitted ahead of this belated handicap debut and step up to three miles. Both ought to draw more from Molly's Diva, so this can be taken as a last chance for her to get closer to her bumper efforts.

In a similar vein to that Ludlow race, the novice handicap chase at Taunton 10 minutes later also has one being backed to the exclusion of all else. Again, Sound Investment is a threat given the reputation he arrived with from Ireland, but it has led to punters overlooking a horse that has won his last three starts. Massena is in the mould of so many from the Venetia Williams yard that go on a winning spree in the depths of winter. Normally they continue to progress until meeting spring ground or top-level handicappers and the style of recent wins suggests Massena will follow that curve. If that perception turns out to be true Sound Investment will have to raise his game significantly.

Timeform UK SmartPlays

Back Benbens @ 2.447/5 in the 14:30 Ludlow
Back Molly's A Diva @ 8.27/1 in the 15:00 Ludlow
Back Massena @ 3.211/5 in the 15:10 Taunton