Timeform UK SmartPlays: Wednesday February 27

Venetia Williams trains two of today's SmartPlays

Timeform bring you bets from the national hunt meetings at Bangor and Lingfield on Wednesday...

A useful handicap hurdler, Ciceron (14:20 Bangor) has taken well to fences, running creditably on a few occasions, including last time when placed in a competitive handicap at Musselburgh. Ciceron has actually finished placed on his four most recent starts, failing to get his head in front, but there is no reason to question his attitude and he appears to have been found a good opportunity in this beginners' chase. His Musselburgh effort just about sets the standard here and, with Venetia Williams continuing to fire in the winners, he should be able to get off the mark over fences.

Gary Moore is another trainer that has been in excellent form of late and it could be worth siding with his Tothemoonandback in the 15:40 at Lingfield. There was real encouragement to take from his handicap debut at Ascot three starts back, shaping better than the bare result in coming from off the pace to finish fourth in a race that has produced a few subsequent winners. A jumpers' bumper was never going to play to his strengths but he got back on the right track at Ffos Las last time, finishing third in testing conditions, once again hinting that he was capable of better, and he looks to be on a fair mark as he returns to handicap company.

Emperor's Choice was perhaps a bit of a slow learner earlier in his career, but he has really got the hang of things lately, looking like a much better chaser than hurdler, and he can take another step forward in the 16:10 at Lingfield. Venetia Williams' charge will have to defy a penalty if he is to complete the hat-trick, but he has given the strong impression that a real test of stamina is what he requires and he will surely get that today, racing over three and a half miles in heavy ground. Emperor's Choice faces some interesting rivals here, notably Monsieur Cadou and Camden, but he should relish today's test and is capable of notching another win. 

Timeform SmartPlays:
Back Ciceron @ 2.747/4 in the 14:20 at Bangor
Back Tothemoonandback @ 3.613/5 in the 15:40 at Lingfield
Back Emperor's Choice @ 3.185/40 in the 16:10 at Lingfield

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