Verdict
There's not much between Millers Wharf and Abated on today's terms but the latter has more scope. She should go close after an admittedly disappointing pipe-opener at Wolverhampton but MERIDIUS could surprise both of the above. Gary Harrison's colt was only beaten a short-head on the Polytrack here on his first start for over a year and looks set to open his account in this. Poitin has some catching up to do if she's to figure and Golden Secret will need a big improvement on last year's debut run to get involved.
Formwatch
Purford Green 66-1 (9-7) Mid-division, pushed along on inside halfway, soon weakened, 15th of 17, 19l behind Shore Step (9-1) at Bath 6f mdn stks (5) gs in Apr.
Meridius (IRE) 5-1 (9-4) In touch, ridden 2f out, headway approaching final furlong, soon pressed winner, not quicken near finish, 2nd of 5, shd behind Ian's Dream (9-4) at Lingfield 6f mdn stks (5) pol.
Millers Wharf (IRE) 9-4fav (9-6) Went left start, chased leaders in centre, ridden and weakened 2f out, 8th of 10, 11l behind Swift Cedar (9-5) at Newbury 7f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Abated 11-8fav (8-12) Prominent, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and edged left over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 8, 6l behind Smokethatthunders (9-3) at Wolverhampton 6f mdn stks (5) pol in Apr.
Golden Secret 11-1 (8-10) Raced near side, chased leaders, led group and hung badly left from over 2f out, no chance with far side quintett, 5th of 9, 5l behind Eminently (9-0) at Haydock 6f 2yo stks (5) hvy in Sep.
Poitin 20-1 (9-0) Led, 4 lengths clear 4f out, ridden and increased lead 2f out, weakened and headed inside final furlong, 6th of 9, 5l behind Clement (9-2) at Lingfield 7f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) pol.