Timeform UK SmartPlays: Wednesday January 22

Our first selection runs in the 19-furlong beginners' chase at Catterick (14:10) as we side with Shotavodka. David Pipe's eight-year-old was a useful hurdler and managed to notch up a hat-trick of wins on testing ground last year. He has produced some creditable performances in competitive handicaps this season but simply seemed vulnerable to less-exposed rivals in that sphere. A strong-travelling and straightforward type, Shotavodka very much appeals as the sort of horse that will take well to chasing and he could prove slightly sharper than last year's Pertemps Final winner, Holywell, who has the best form on offer but will prove better off over three miles.

Don Pooleoni failed to complete at Warwick last time but he is well worth another chance in the 14:20 at Southwell. An encouraging second behind an unexposed rival on his seasonal return, Don Pooleoni shaped better than the bare result on his next start, faring best of those to race close to the strong pace. Jumping hasn't always been Don Pooleoni's strong suit (has twice fallen over fences) but it was a relatively soft unseat at Warwick last time and he may benefit from the return of a fully-fledged rider to the saddle. Lightly raced for a nine-year-old, Don Pooleoni hasn't been with the excellent Harry Fry for long (has made just the four starts) and there could yet be more to come. 

Seedling sets the clear standard in the 15:25 at Southwell and a reproduction of his effort behind the promising Wilde Blue Yonder would make him extremely difficult to beat. A useful bumper performer, where he managed to win on two occasions in that sphere, Seedling didn't seem clued-up enough to make an impact on his debut over hurdles, but he showed much improved form to finish runner-up at Newbury. He stuck to his task well at Newbury, appealing as the type that would benefit from a step up in trip, and he ought to beat difficult to beat here.

Timeform UK SmartPlays:
Back Shotavodka @ 2.1411/10 in the 14:10 at Catterick
Back Don Pooleoni @ 3.39/4 in the 14:20 at Southwell
Back Seedling @ 2.427/5 in the 15:25 at Southwell