Pontefract 2:07 Result

Rogue Crusader is the only runner in the field with a win already to his name (form figure "1"), carries top weight of 134lbs reflecting that form, and is trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam with Robert Havlin taking the ride - a strong booking for a two-year-old debutant winner stepping up in company. His pedigree (Persian King out of a Bated Breath mare) suggests he'll be well suited to a mile and improve for the run. The rest of this maiden/novice field is largely unproven or has been below-par: Astral Crown and Scrappetalene both show 53 profiles (fair but not winning form), Distant Sun's solitary "9" run is moderate, Silverella's 51 shows one win and one poor effort, and Special Operations' 40 figure suggests inconsistency. None of these rivals have shown the alacrity of a bona fide victory at this level bar the selection. Given a proven winner returns fresh off a 20-day break with a leading match of trainer and top jockey, and no standout market rival with clearly superior form, this looks the strongest confirmed form in the race. The main danger is that he may be trading short given his solid form, but the substance of an actual win at this level in a competitive novice race outweighs lack of "value" - this is a case of backing genuine proven ability over unproven types.