Useful over hurdles, Violin Davis (15:00 Newbury) made an encouraging start on her chasing debut at Exeter, finishing third despite appearing to need the run after eight weeks off. Violin Davis was a reliable mare last year, particularly against her own sex, winning a valuable prize at Ascot as well as twice running good races at Kempton, and Harry Fry's seven-year-old looks sure to improve on that initial effort over fences.
David Evans has been firing in the winners on the all-weather since the turn of the year, and his new recruit Dixie Gwalia, an encouraging second at Kempton last week for David Simcock, looks to hold strong claims of registering victory in the 15:40 at Lingfield. There is certainly an element of risk to the selection as the five-year-old mare doesn't have the most consistent of profiles, often following a good run with a bad one, but she has won off this mark before and the services of Phillip Prince could be an advantage in this apprentice handicap.
For our final SmartPlay we turn to Kempton this evening, the 17:15 the race in focus. Given a seven-month break following three inconspicuous starts in maiden company for Jeremy Noseda, Whispering Warrior was a different proposition switched to handicaps on his first start for David Simcock, asserting in the final furlong to win a shade cosily at Lingfield. The unexposed four-year-old boasts a useful pedigree and looks like the type that will continue to progress, possibly racking up a sequence, as he gains experience. There are certainly a couple of interesting rivals in opposition, notably Breakheart and Fairyinthewind, but Whispering Warrior is open to the most improvement and can supplement his recent victory.
Timeform SmartPlays:
Back Violin Davis @ 3.412/5 in the 15:00 at Newbury
Back Dixie Gwalia @ 3.953/1 in the 15:40 at Lingfield
Back Whispering Warrior @ 2.588/5 in the 17:15 at Kempton
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