The David Evans-trained Bawaardi looks the one to beat at the weights in Wolverhampton's seller at 14:50. The six-year-old won a brace of course-and-distance claimers over the winter, having several next time out winners in-behind on each occasion, and, although he has not shown quite the same form in five starts since, he looks a good bet to have the upper-hand on his six rivals here. Bawaardi's latest run, when eighth at Doncaster, was a creditable one, potentially suggesting a return to form, and the 3.929/10 currently available looks decent value given that his BHA mark of 77 is 4 lb clear of his nearest rival, who is forced to race off level-weights in this contest.
The John Dunlop-trained Mariannes makes her handicap debut in Wolverhampton's 17:05 and, although the three-year-old filly has finished well-held on her three starts in maidens to date, it would come as no surprise were she to improve on her 2012 bow. Mariannes only took to the track in November, given a considerate introduction at Kempton before having a pair of starts, in quick succession, in December also at that venue. With that experience behind her, and the booking of Ryan Moore catching the eye, Mariannes could go well at a decent price but, with the Michael Bell-trained Mexican Wave also making some appeal, the sensible option is to include her as a win and place selection.
Our final SmartPlay, also advised as a win and place bet, is Hits Only Jude in the 19:40 at Southwell. A winner of three handicaps last year, and a four-time winner at this track, Hits Only Jude ran an encouraging race at Pontefract last time, shaping much better than his sixth-placed finish would suggest with the rider losing an iron shortly after the gates opened and making some late headway. The nine-year-old's last course victory, in February 2010, came off a mark of 75, 16 lb higher than the which he races from today and, although Somerset Island looks to have leading claims in first-time cheekpieces, Hits Only Jude is well worth supporting in the place market and cannot be dismissed from the win market either.
Timeform SmartPlays
Back Bawaardi @ 3.929/10 in the 14:50 at Wolverhampton
Back Mariannes @ 11.521/2 to win and 2.915/8 to be placed in the 17:05 at Wolverhampton
Back Hits Only Jude @ 7.613/2 to win and 2.47/5 to be placed in the 19:40 at Southwell
