3:00 York, Noble Style – 1pt win 3/1 generally – WON
This looks quite tight between the top 3 and all can be given a chance with Marshman showing bags of speed and producing a good number when winning at Thirsk last time, and Flying Scotsman who’s gone from strength to strength since his debut run (finished well behind Noble Style) and is the highest rated runner in the field. But ratings for two-year-olds can often be misleading, as they don’t include anything for the ‘potential improvement’ which is one of the biggest factors when assessing any 2yo race and Noble Style suggests that he might have that in abundance. He won his debut after being heavily backed in grand style, and in a way that screamed ‘TOP CLASS HORSE’ – leaving the likes of Walbank/Redemption Time/Royal Scotsman in his wake to produce an excellent time. He wasn’t as impressive when winning at Newmarket next time, however, the early pace wasn’t great so he raced a tad keenly, then possibly got tapped for tow once they quickened, but dug deep and in the end won quite easily. There should be no shortage of pace tomorrow with the likes of Marshman and Clearpoint likely leaders, and although his draw in stall 12 is a concern as high numbers have struggled at York this year, but 2yo ‘Swingalong’ won from stall 14 won today and this isn’t the biggest of fields, plus when you have precocious 2yos lining up for a race, draw/track bias can often fall into insignificance. He certainly looks the part, with the physical qualities of a potential world-beater, and if improving as expected, then I think he could be the one to beat.