An intriguing maiden over this stiff 5f.
Flow Chart, Cian Rooney and Wijikuri are closely matched here and it will be interesting to see who is the better of the three.
Flow Chart is slightly worse off with Cian Rooney and could have his work cut out as the latter was also denied a run on the rail in the closing stages. Duffield's two-year-olds have been very quiet this season and they could do with a winner. It is worth noting that Flow Chart ran wide at Beverley, which is no easy task, and that factor should be considered. Barron's two-year-old has good natural speed and will probably make a bold bid and whether the main contenders can keep tabs on this juvenile is a matter of opinion. I don't think there will be must between these two.
Wijikuri makes this race all the more interesting (or complicated) as this colt by Zaffen was given a considerate introduction and ran on well, closing fast at Beverley and must be given a big chance today. Quinn's two-year-old is likely to find more improvement for that debut run and must be a similar level to the above mentioned and many will be hoping he has something extra to give.
All three of these juveniles ran difference races that day and it isn't beyond the realms they will finish similarly today.
Of the rest, Saddlers Lodge is quite well bred and Swinbank has a few exciting two-year-olds in his yard so he clearly has lines to his juveniles. The downside is that he has a poor win rate on debut and more likely to win on second start. Money for this runner would give more encouragement.
More lashes hasn't achieved a great standard so far but gives the impression there is more ability than we have seen.
In conclusion, this is an intriguing race which will probably be between Flow Chart, Cian Rooney and Wijikuri. I doubt the bookmakers will be wanting to go an each way price for any of these, which would be the best option on the betting front. Wijikuri would be a tentative selection as I don't think there will be much value. Clearly this colt has the potential to improve but he needs to do just that to be on level terms let alone win. However, I would give him the nod.
A watching race.
Emeralds Spirit (NR)
Race review:'The form of the Beverley race didn't hold up with Cian Rooney seemingly having too much pace for most of these and ran on well to hold the late challenge of Swinbank's Saddlers Lodge. Duffield will be pleased with this performance and to be fair she does well at Pontefract. This juvenile ran much better here and the front running tactics certainly put the others on the back foot. More Lashes ran a better race although you have to consider the form is pretty limited. Wijikuri was alwasy struggling to go the pace and either he didn't run his race or was flattered on debut. Time will tell although I wouldn't be in a rush to bet on Quinn's two-year-old afte this display. Flow Chart ran poorly and never seemed to be going. A few question marks with many of these. An average race by all accounts. Saddlers Lodge has the most to offer.'