held up towards rear, pushed along halfway, headway under pressure 2f out, ran on well final furlong, nearest finish
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
led, pushed along over 3f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong
dwelt, held up in rear, headway 2f out, soon ridden and effort, kept on final furlong
mid-division, headway and effort 2f out, one pace final furlong
tracked leader, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed over 1f out, no extra
towards rear, never dangerous
in touch, ridden and headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, soon clear, easily
This maiden revolves around the two newcomers and two representatives of the Ed Dunlop stable. Mark Johnston's two-year-olds have tended to need their first start in public so the chances are that Blackwater Fever, a son of Irish River, is likely to need the run. Michael Bell has his team of juveniles at the top of their form so a big run should be expected from the only filly in the line up, Distant Light. A nicely related daughter of Groom Dancer, a market move in her favour should be noted. But if this race follows the pattern of other two-year-old contests this term it should be that Ed Dunlop's two runners improve for their first start in public. Their is probably little to choose between Ersaal and Rocket Force, who were both beaten in Yarmouth maidens first time up, but slight preference, and the TEAMtalk vote, is for the former who was given an easy time once beaten behind the useful looking recruit Ciel. He can benefit from that ride here unless there is significant support for one of the newcomers.
