Timeform UK SmartPlays: Monday August 27

We go to Epsom for our final SmartPlay

Today's Bank Holiday SmartPlays include selections from Epsom and Ripon...

Toto Skyllachy is chanced to beat the unexposed three-year-old Compton home over a mile at Ripon at 15:35. The seven-year-old bounced back to form last time at Ayr, despite setting a pace too fast to maximise his chance, finishing four lengths third to Wannabe King, and is taken to build on that today. Down 1 lb for that run, he is now lower in the weights than when just missing out in the Carlisle Bell this year, and back over a C&D he's won over in the past, Toto Skyllachy should be able to go one better today.

In the next race at Ripon (16:10), Molecomb Stakes fourth Lyric Ace is expected to make the most of his drop down to listed company to get back to winning ways. He shaped better than the bare result at Goodwood, doing best of those that were held up, despite not getting a smooth passage through, and that result looks even better on the back of third-placed Hototo's win at York last week. Lyric Ace steps up to six furlongs for the first time now, which looks likely to suit him, and given that his best efforts have come in smaller fields this five-runner contest can fall right for the possible pacesetter.

At Epsom, Initiator (16:50) is our final SmartPlay selection. After disappointing in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, Initiator was gelded before being dropped back to this distance and running in handicap company for the first time at Sandown earlier in the month. Showing career-best form, he recorded a half-length success from Niceofyoutotellme to confirm his early promise, while he is likely to improve further. Initiator does have his quirks, carrying his head awkwardly in his races and being ponied to the start, but he has shown no overt sign of temperament thus far and, as the least exposed of the field, has plenty more to give to make it three wins from three attempts over this distance.

Timeform SmartPlays

Back Toto Skyllachy @ 4.77/2 in the 15:35 at Ripon
Back Lyric Ace @ 2.789/5 in the 16:10 at Ripon
Back Initiator @ 2.8615/8 in the 16:50 at Epsom