Timeform UK SmartPlays: Thursday June 12

John Gosden's The Third Man created a big impression on debut at Lingfield last year, finishing to great effect to get up close home, and he can make light work of his rivals in Newbury's one-mile handicap (16:00) from a lenient opening mark of 75. The Third Man, a half-brother to three winners, including the smart Trade Commissioner, was sent off at a shade of odds against on debut and he justified market expectations with a smooth success, finding plenty in the latter stages to ultimately win a shade cosily. He earned the Timeform 'large P' on the back of that performance, indicating that significant improvement is on the cards, and he should take plenty of beating here before going on to better things.

We stick at Newbury for our next bet as we side with impressive last-time-out winner Storm Rider in the mile-and-a-half handicap at 17:05. Storm Rider hadn't shown much in three starts in maiden company, but, in hindsight, it wasn't the biggest surprise that this expensively-purchased, good-looking colt managed to show improved form on his handicap debut from a low opening mark. The manner in which he decimated the opposition - in a field which contained some unexposed rivals - was hugely impressive and he is clearly still well treated able to race under a penalty. This three-furlong-longer trip represents something of a question mark but Storm Rider should be able to cope and can rack up a second success.

Genius Boy shaped better than the bare result on his penultimate start at Beverley - sectionals confirmed that he had gone too fast - and he had little difficulty winning at Yarmouth last time, readily coming clear to win by three lengths. Back at the same course, over a furlong further this time, Genius Boy has exceptional claims under a penalty in the 17:25 this evening, the booking of Ryan Moore an added bonus. A well-bred, expensively-purchased type, Genius Boy appeals as the type to carry on improving for a while yet and he should be extremely difficult to beat here.   

Timeform UK SmartPlays:
Back The Third Man @ 3.39/4 in the 16:00 at Newbury
Back Storm Rider @ 3.5551/20 in the 17:05 at Newbury
Back Genius Boy @ 1.855/6 in the 17:25 at Yarmouth