Timeform UK SmartPlays: Tuesday December 3

We head up to Sedgefield first for a handicap hurdle over two miles and a furlong (14:00) where a number have solid claims in what looks a potentially trappy contest. Celtic Abbey and Satanic Beat are interesting now handicapping and Trust Thomas's recent record makes him a threat but we will side with Bright Applause after his promising second at Kelso on his handicap debut. He looks to be on a lenient mark judged on his flat form and the jockey booking of Richard Johnson is an eyecatching one. He should waste little time in making his mark over hurdles and can get the day off to a winning start. 

It's a maiden hurdle at Southwell next (14:20) where Anteros can capitalise on what is a good opportunity to get off the mark after creditable efforts at Fontwell and Ludlow so far this season. He shaped much better than the bare result suggested last time out and was unlucky not to finish closer than his eight-and-a-half-lengths fourth. He rallied encouragingly after a mistake three out and that contest was run over what is probably his maximum trip wise, with the return to two miles today likely to be more up his street. He gets the nod although Punchestown bumper winner Stephanie Frances is respected now in the hands of the in-form Dan Skelton. 

We stay at the Nottinghamshire venue for Tuesday's final bet in the two-and-a-half-mile handicap hurdle (14:50) in which its work taking a chance on the lightly-raced Ruby Bay who is coming back off a long absence on his first start for Tim Walford. He beat the smart Broadbackbob in an Irish point-to-point and put in a much improved effort over fences on his final start for Tim Vaughan in January of last year. He certainly has the potential to make an impact in this sort of company given he could be highly unexposed off a hurdles mark of 89, although it is worth monitoring the market to get a more accurate assessment. 

Timeform UK SmartPlays

Back Bright Applause @ 5.49/2 in the 14:00 at Sedgefield
Back Anteros @ 4.77/2 in the 14:20 at Southwell
Back Ruby Bay @ 7.06/1 in the 14:50 at Southwell

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