Timeform UK SmartPlays: Tuesday April 22

We head to Ludlow for the first contest under consideration, a two-mile handicap chase (14:25) in which it might pay to side with Spoil Me. He shaped respectably on his only previous start at the course when making his chasing debut in December, and although that was over half-a-mile further he looks equally adept at the minimum trip. It's fair to say his jumping has let him down subsequently, but it may have been more down to a lack of concentration than lack of ability. Blinkers are fitted for the first time today in a hope they can bring about the required improvement, and if that's the case he looks fairly treated off a mark of 103. Maurice Linehan is excellent value for the 3 lb he takes off and has been in good form of late, and it would be no surprise to see the selection ensure yesterday's Irish Grand National winning trainer Jonjo O'Neill makes a swift return to the winners enclosure.

We must hot-foot it to Kelso next for another handicap chase, this time over 26 furlongs (14:50) in which the best bet looks to be Mr Supreme for Keith and James Reveley. He undoubtedly benefited from a more positive ride when recording his first win in handicap company at Newcastle last time, and with the same jockey booked today he may prove hard to catch if similar tactics are employed. Although he does have to shoulder a 9 lb rise for his recent win, if he lines up in the same form today as three weeks ago, it may not be enough to prevent him from making it two on the bounce. There are others who are worthy of respect, not least course regular Isla Pearl Fisher who competes today off a reduced mark, but the selection looked a horse capable of building on his last win, and if that's the case he looks sure to play a hand in the finish.

We remain north of the border for our final bet of the day and it's the 17-furlong handicap chase (15:55) in which Hotgrove Boy can gain compensation for the misfortune he suffered at Wetherby last time. It was through no fault of Daragh Bourke, who has been one of the revelations of the 2013/14 season, that he lost his irons so early in the race last time and pulled him up and he looks primed to make the most of a recovery mission today. Prior to that unfortunate incident he'd generally shown an improved level of form since switching to the larger obstacles, including when making all at Sedgefield in March. He won with plenty to spare on that occasion and providing he's none the worse for his exertions last time he looks the type to do better still for local trainer Stuart Coltherd, and with Bourke claiming 7 lb he is capable of proving ahead of his mark in this sphere.

Timeform UK SmartPlays

Back Spoil Me @ 4.03/1 in the 14:25 at Ludlow
Back Mr Supreme @ 3.39/4 in the 14:50 at Kelso
Back Hotgrove Boy @ 6.25/1 in the 15:55 at Kelso