13:20 Sedgefield - Spiculas
Spiculas produced a couple of promising efforts last season without threatening, but he showed improved form to get off the mark at Kelso last time, and that performance sets a good standard here. Spiculas was presented with a good opportunity at Kelso, especially as his chief market rival failed to cope with the emphasis on speed, but it was impressive how strongly he travelled and put the race to bed, drawing readily clear. Softer conditions this afternoon shouldn't pose a problem and Spiculas can win again.
14:10 Huntingdon - Songsmith
Volnay de Thaix has been unsurprisingly popular in the overnight markets, still unexposed and representing the powerful combination of Geraghty and Henderson, but Songsmith shaped well in an extremely strong race at Stratford last time and should improve for the outing. That encouraging fourth at Stratford was Songsmith's first outing for six months, so it's reasonable to expect him to benefit from the run, and he is on a fair-looking mark. Lucy Wadham's charge offers a spot of value at double-figure prices and is well worth chancing.
15:00 Lingfield - Vikekhal
Vikekhal got off the mark over hurdles at Plumpton last year and, though without a win over the larger obstacles, he has proven himself to be a better chaser, his latest second at Fontwell representing a career-best effort. Vikekhal showed the benefit of an initial outing over fences as he jumped much better last time and also stuck to his task in encouraging fashion. He remains open to further improvement in this sphere, something which can't be said for many of his rivals, and this looks a good opportunity.
Timeform UK SmartPlays:
Back Spiculas @ 3.185/40 in the 13:20 at Sedgefield
Back Songsmith @ 12.011/1 in the 14:10 at Huntingdon
Back Vikekhal @ 2.982/1 in the 15:00 at Lingfield
