Timeform UK SmartPlays: Wednesday May 22

All-Weather maidens can often be difficult puzzles to solve, yet there look to be valid reasons to be positive about Midaz in the 14.20 at Southwell today. On the face of it, Hughie Morrison's gelding did not create any waves when finishing seventh on debut at Kempton last month, yet the form of the race now appears relatively strong with the winner Pether's Moon looking an above-average sort. Midaz was too green to do himself justice that day (slowly away) and ought to been seen to much better effect with that experience under his belt. As a positive addition to the form, his trainer is 21-69 with his three-year-olds at this venue in recent seasons and a bold show is expected from this unexposed sort.

We stay at Southwell for the second of today's selections in which we believe Ocean Storm, 14.50, is the one to be with. Whilst this son of Royal Applause has yet to finish in the places, he has shaped with enough promise to suggest a maiden of this calibre is within his reach. Both his maiden runs now look like strong bits of early-season form, with the two winners competing well at a higher grade since, and we'll take a chance that James Tate's charge can get off the mark at the main expense of Mark Johnston's Tamayuz Magic. 

It's off to Kempton's twilight meeting for the third of today's Smart Plays, in which Grendisar, 20.00, is chosen to land the spoils in what looks like an intriguing, competitive affair. Marco Botti's charge has looked progressive on the Polytrack this year and produced a career best when running a very creditable second to the ultra-progressive Spillway here last month. The form of that race contains considerable strength in depth with several of the horses in behind upholding the form since. With the recently employed hold-up tactics likely to be re-employed and Adam Kirby again booked, the slight step up in trip should not be any cause for concern and hopefully we can see the night out with a winner.

Timeform UK SmartPlays:

Back Midaz @ 5.69/2 in the 14:20 at Southwell
Back Ocean Storm @ 2.8415/8 in the 14:50 at Southwell
Back Grendisar @ 3.8514/5 in the 20:00 at Kempton

Get open access to Timeform data for just £2.50 a day with Timeform Race Passes. It's like a Form Book, Black Book & Race Card all in one! Find Out More!