Timeform UK SmartPlays: Tuesday March 19

Two of today's SmartPlays come from Exeter

Smallish fields at Exeter today, but there are a couple of bets lurking there, as well as one from Southwell.

We're kicking off at Exeter in the 14:30, which despite having a field of just six contains a few of above-average interest. Admittedly, Scottish Boogie will probably need better ground and Buckhorn Tom a longer trip before either becomes truly worthy of a bet, but Molon Labe and Umberto d'Olivate are genuinely interesting. Molon Labe was a last-time-out winner on his first start for David Rees, but preference is for Umberto d'Olivate. He himself hasn't been long with his current yard, just three starts in fact, and last time over C&D was the first time he'd really looked to be tuned up, eventually finishing third behind Chilbury Hill and Lauberhorn. Both of those horses have won since, leaving Umberto d'Olivate potentially well treated off the same BHA mark of 105. With nothing else in this race likely to take him on for the lead, everything looks in place for a big run from Robert Walford's charge.

SmartPlay number two comes from Southwell, in a handicap over their minimum trip at 16:20. It looks a good opportunity for Miako to follow up his recent C&D success for a yard that continues in flying form. On his fibresand debut last time, Miako ran out an impressive five-length winner over Lucies Diamond. Put up 10 lb for that success, Miako nonetheless still looks well-treated: he's all about speed, something this particular C&D puts real emphasis on, while his yard's superb record on the surface is well documented. You admittedly won't get rich backing Miako, but the fact is that barring another chunk of improvement from Space Artist it's difficult to see him losing.

Finally, we head back to Exeter for their 16:30. However, first you're asked to go back just under two years, to a race over the very same C&D in which Some Secret, racing off a BHA mark of 87, finished second to the improving Rockabilly. Hop back to the present and Some Secret is back, 8 lb lower in the handicap and seemingly back in form following a second-placed finish at Chepstow earlier in the month. It was another improver (Bravo Bravo this time) that stood between Some Secret and success that day, only a head between the pair. Some Secret has since been put up 2 lb, but she's likely to be suited by this longer trip, as evidenced by her previous form here and looking a sporting price to gain a belated first win. Realistically, Some Secret is a win-only bet as a patchy profile is probably the one major doubt hanging over her.

Timeform UK SmartPlays

Back Umberto d'Olivate @ 3.7511/4 in the 14:30 Exeter
Back Miako @ 1.9520/21 in the 16:20 Southwell
Back Some Secret @ 6.05/1 in the 16:30 Exeter

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