Gran Maestro (14:20 Haydock) goes unpenalised for his five-length C&D victory in an apprentice event last week and has obvious claims of following up now. That win, for which he travelled nicely and forged clear at the furlong pole, came off a six-day turnaround and it is hoped this tough sort, who has already stood plenty of racing this year, will handle going to the well again so soon. With his stable now firmly among the winners, it's to be hoped Gran Maestro may even pull out a bit more.
Frog Hollow (16:00 Beverley) didn't get the breaks over seven and a half furlongs at Chester last week on his first outing for David O'Meara, but can make amends now. Although seemingly difficult to win with, Frog Hollow looks more than capable off a mark of 80 for a yard with a reputation for rejuvenating horses acquired from other trainers. The step back up in trip to a mile should hold no fears for a horse whose last run suggested he was about to strike form.
Duke Cosimo (19:10 Kempton) probably has the most long-term potential of today's three selections. He showed a fairly useful level of form in a six-furlong Nottingham maiden on debut, being noted for the kindness with which he travelled and how well he kept on to finish second. The Sir Michael Stoute-trained gelding looked well up to winning a similar event and followed through on that promise when making light of a simple task at Pontefract on his second start, travelling strongly again and merely having to be shaken up at the furlong pole to win unchallenged by three lengths. Duke Cosimo is open to plenty of progress and it would be a surprise if he doesn't prove better than his opening mark of 75.
Timeform UK SmartPlays:
Back Gran Maestro @ 3.55/2 in the 14:20 at Haydock
Back Frog Hollow @ 2.245/4 in the 16:00 at Beverley
Back Duke Cosimo @ 2.26/5 in the 19:10 at Kempton
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