Timeform UK SmartPlays: Thursday September 4

The first of today's SmartPlays, which come in quick succession, comes from Salisbury in the Group 3 Dick Poole Fillies' Stakes (16:20). The one for our money is New Providence, who won her first two career starts and followed up with fine runs at Newmarket and York recently too. She was placed on both occasions but they were in big-field, highly competitive events, especially the sales race she contested two weeks ago where she faced the colts and finished second. Given her profile she's capable of improving further and although this looks an above average renewal today's test represents comparatively calmer waters. With the step up to seven furlongs bound to suit she looks to have an excellent chance.

We hot-foot it to Haydock Park for the next contest under consideration, a decent handicap over 12 furlongs (16:40) and a number line up with live chances. Kikonga arrives on the back of a career-best effort and three-year-old Warrior of Light looks capable of improvement but narrow preference is for Xinbama. He's been in fine form this term, finishing second three times and winning twice and his performance at York last time was eye-catching to say the least. He fared by far the best of those held up in a falsely-run race and although he finished sixth came out on top in sectional terms. Providing he's in the same form today he could easily return to the winners' enclosure and looks a generous price to do so. 

Our final bet of the day runs in the seven-furlong handicap for fillies back at Salisbury (16:50) and although Felwah didn't have much to beat at Newmarket last month, she remains a filly to keep firmly on side. That took her record to three wins from five career starts and given the manner of her victories this season and her pedigree and connections, significant improvement looks very much on the cards and it would be no surprise to see her take high rank among her sex in this sphere. Remember and Royal Seal both merit consideration but the selection has enough potential and class to continue her fine record in 2014. 

Timeform UK SmartPlays

Back New Providence @ 5.95/1 in the 16:20 at Salisbury
Back Xinbama @ 8.88/1 in the 16:40 at Haydock
Back Felwah @ 3.211/5 in the 16:50 at Salisbury