Timeform UK SmartPlays: Wednesday December 16

Newbury 12:40 - Wuff

Wuff failed to meet expectations on his first start for Paul Nicholls when finishing fifth here during the Hennessy meeting, but there is good reason to expect a better showing this time. Wuff, like all the other Roger Brookhouse horses who have moved to Nicholls, shaped as if he'll be better with a run under his belt, whilst he was severely hampered at a crucial stage of the race. The handicapper has kindly dropped Wuff 3 lb and this looks a good opportunity for the imposing chaser to finally deliver on his early promise.

Ludlow 12:55 - Fourth Act

Fourth Act failed to complete at Newbury last time, but he looked a threat when coming down and is worth another chance to prove himself a well-handicapped horse. Fourth Act seems to have improved for the fitting of a tongue strap this season and his victory at Carlisle on his penultimate start was his best performance by some margin. The handicapper has arguably reacted leniently to that wide-margin win and Fourth Act can cash in on his advantageous mark.

Kempton 18:10 - Firmament

Firmament shaped well on his first start for David O'Meara when finishing an excellent third at Chelmsford, shaping as if he could have won had things panned out better, and he could prove difficult to beat here. Firmament travelled well at Chelmsford but needed to switch at a crucial stage, staying on strongly without quite being able to overhaul the front pair. Firmament is clearly on a fair mark and, with his new trainer noted for conjuring further improvement from his recruits, he is well worth backing to gain compensation.

Timeform UK SmartPlays:
Back Wuff in the 12:40 at Newbury
Back Fourth Act in the 12:55 at Ludlow
Back Firmament in the 18:10 at Kempton