Timeform UK SmartPlays: Sunday March 3

Two of today's SmartPlays come from Sedgefield.

Today's SmartPlays are split between the two UK meetings at Sedgefield and Huntingdon...

We begin at Sedgefield in a handicap hurdle at 14:50 over just short of three and a half miles. It's a race in which stamina will almost certainly come to the fore, and that's just where Gwladys Street's strength lies. He has improved granted a sterner test of stamina on his last two starts, a clear second over three miles in testing ground at Uttoxeter on his penultimate start before winning over C&D back in January by just over three lengths from Oniz Tiptoes, who re-opposes today. Although up 11 lb for his efforts that day, Gwladys Street remains most unexposed as a stayer and has strong claims on taking back-to-back wins.

SmartPlay number two comes just 10 minutes later at Huntingdon. Last Shot is currently favourite and has been knocking on the door this season, but he often fails to impress with his finishing effort and it's generally worth taking him on. Our weapon of choice today is Smokey George, who admittedly showed a tame response to pressure himself last time, but that's forgiveable considering the testing conditions that day. He had won over this trip at Exeter the time before, looking an improved performer, so there's ever chance he'll bounce back returned to less-testing ground.

Finally we return to Sedgefield for their next race at 15:20, which is a low-grade handicap hurdle over two and a half miles. As you'd expect, plenty can be cast aside quite readily and it doesn't take long to see that Granwood is something of a standout. She had a pretty good time of it around here last season, winning over C&D and finishing second in this corresponding race from a 3 lb higher mark. She hasn't achieved much on the face of it on either start this season, but last time at Doncaster over three miles she travelled well for a long way in a stronger race than today's contest. With conditions clearly in her favour today, Granwood is taken to confirm her return to form.

Timeform SmartPlays:
Back Gwladys Street @ 5.49/2 in the 14:50 Sedgefield
Back Smokey George @ 7.26/1 in the 15:00 Huntingdon
Back Granwood @ 6.05/1 in the 15:20 Sedgefield

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