Timeform UK SmartPlays: Thursday October 3

Although you may have trouble shouting him on in the closing stages, the trickily named Sahra Al Khadra looks the most likely winner of seven-furlong nursery (14:40) at Warwick this afternoon. After showing promise on his debut at Newmarket where he finished fifth behind the talented Godolphin juvenile Music Theory, last time out saw a marked improvement when he finished second in a Brighton maiden to the re-opposing Peak Royale. However, today he finds himself with an 11-lb pull at the weights and is expected to capitalise on this considerable advantage. He looks an ideal type to flourish in this level of company and trainer Charlie Hills is in rude form on the back of a double yesterday, he looks a good bet to continue that run of form. 

The 10-furlong handicap (16:40) is a particularly valuable contest for a midweek card, and as a result looks a highly-competitive affair. Whilst Willow Beck remains a horse of untapped potential and is likely to be popular, Cashpoint put in a most eye-catching performance at Epsom on Sunday. He was left with an insurmountable task by Jamie Spencer, but ran on strongly to take fourth position and looks to be excellent value turned out off the same mark today. He has been a model of consistency since finishing second at Newbury in May, and Sunday's effort on the downs suggests he is in the mood to cap off a fine season with a victory. There are of course others who merit respect, not least Thecornishcowboy who could prove to be ahead of his current mark.

The sprint equivalent comes next in the card and this six-furlong contest (17:10) can go the way of Midnight Rider if he builds on the impression he created at Newmarket last time. Mission Approved has more than enough ability to win a handicap like this off his current mark but his price will undoubtedly reflect that, and so it is better to side with Chris Wall's five year old who won this contest in impressive fashion last year and whose last two performances at Newmarket suggest he comes to this defence in good form. The likely strong pace will play to his advantage and it would be no surprise to see him make it back-to-back victories. 

Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Warwick

Back Sahra Al Khadra @ 8.27/1 in the 14:40
Back Cashpoint @ 9.417/2 in the 16:40
Back Midnight Rider @ 6.86/1 in the 17:10