Timeform UK SmartPlays: Wednesday March 6

One of today's SmartPlays comes from Catterick

Wednesday's UK SmartPlays comprise one bet from each of today's three afternoon meetings.

First up is Fontwell and the two and a half mile handicap hurdle there at 15:10. It's one of the more competitive races on the card, though the unexposed pair of Billy Twyford and Utopian seem to stand out above the rest. Utopian is certainly respected as a useful bumper performer and handicap debutant, but there's a little more substance to Billy Twyford's hurdling form so preference is for him at a similar price. He's only recently joined the excellent Lawney Hill (admittedly from Nicky Henderson) and has quickly set about improving, winning a handicap at Wetherby last month over two miles from subsequent winner Shammick Boy. This step up in trip will only suit Billy Twyford, so he can be expected to improve past his new mark of 121 and, even in this race, that could well be enough.

Catterick is next on the agenda, specifically a two-mile novice chase at 15:50. As you can imagine, it's a race that can be quickly, with Exotic Man and Bridlington Bygones soon emerging as the keys to the race. Given that Exotic Man has the greater experience over fences, the stronger form and more potential to improve, he is surely the one we need to focus on. Although a half-brother to Exotic Dancer, Exotic Man has looked more about speed thus far, seemingly getting away with three miles last time rather than staying it outright and ultimately shaping very well in fourth off a BHA mark of 110. Assuming he'll cope with such a drastic drop in trip, Exotic Man could take all the beating today.

Finally, we head to Lingfield for their 13-furlong handicap at 16:00. For the most part, it's a case of the usual suspects, though clear exceptions exist in four-year-olds Linkable and Red Mystique, the pair duly heading the market. Preference is for Red Mystique, who has been more quietly progressive but remains even less exposed than his chief rival. He's been a clear second on each of his last two starts yet has gone up just 6 lb in total for his efforts. Therefore, it's quite easy to imagine Red Mystique having a bit more to come from his lowly mark.

Timeform UK SmartPlays

Back Billy Twyford @ 4.57/2 in the 15:10 Fontwell
Back Exotic Man @ 2.6813/8 in the 15:50 Catterick
Back Red Mystique @ 4.94/1 in the 16:00 Lingfield