Aintree next for Maggio after Haydock second behind Benvolio
Maggio is in line for a visit to Aintree in April following his revitalised display at Haydock on Saturday.
Last Updated: 19/01/14 12:50pm
The Patrick Griffin-trained nine-year-old banished memories of a no-show at Musselburgh 24 hours earlier with a close-up second to Benvolio in a keenly-contested graduation chase over two miles and five furlongs.
Oldtown-based Griffin said: "He travelled so strongly, especially after he was so disappointing at Musselburgh.
"He ran a stormer. He's an amazing horse. I would say the only ground he wouldn't travel on is firm ground.
"He's barely 16 hands (high) - he's built like a miler - but he's got one heck of an engine.
"I wouldn't be surprised if he (the handicapper) leaves him alone or maybe puts him up a pound.
"There's only one place for him now, I think, and that's over the fences in Liverpool.
"I'll be trying to talk James (Griffin, son and assistant) out of putting him in the National and instead go for the shorter race, the Topham."