Timeform UK SmartPlays: Tuesday January 1

Brian Ellison's Phase Shift has a good chance in the final race

Timeform bring you a trio of bets from Musselburgh on New Year's Day...

Our first SmartPlay runs in the competitive staying handicap hurdle (13:40) as we take a chance that Imperial Vic can register the hat-trick. Lightly raced for an eight-year-old, Michael Smith's charge has taken well to hurdling, winning over C&D on his latest two starts. Obviously entitled to further progress, Imperial Vic steps into handicap company for the first time and looks to have been let in lightly by the assessor. It would register as little surprise were he to prove far superior to an opening BHA mark of 120.

Another horse stepping into handicap company on an apparently fair mark is David Pipe's daughter of the top-class Lady Cricket, Swing Bowler (14:45). Unbeaten in four starts, Swing Bowler remains open to significant improvement and a mark of 123 could significantly underestimate her ability. This is a valuable and fairly competitive contest, but few rivals have the same potential and scope for improvement as Swing Bowler and she is a confident selection.

Our final SmartPlay runs in the final race at Musselburgh as we predict Phase Shift will prevent Home Run from notching up a quick five-timer. Home Run is clearly in good heart and is likely to go very close, but Phase Shift also appeals as a well-handicapped horse and looked slightly unfortunate not to get off the mark in handicap company at the first attempt, travelling strongly for much of the race at Sedgefield before blundering at the final flight. He can gain compensation here.

Timeform SmartPlays:
All at Musselburgh

Back Imperial Vic @ 3.65n/a in the 13:40
Back Swing Bowler @ 3.65n/a in the 14:45
Back Phase Shift @ 3.412/5 in the 15:20

Half-price Race Passes with brand new features - In-Play Hints, Running Notes & Warning Horses. And get a FREE gift too! Find out more at timeform.com.