tracked leaders, keen, went 2nd over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, no extra towards finish
slowly into stride, always behind
always towards rear
pushed along, towards rear, never dangerous
chased leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, soon hung left, kept on well
chased leaders, weakened over 2f out
held up in touch, keen, effort 3f out, no impression after
chased leader, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
Love Angel is holding her form well and should be there or thereabouts, but we think this could concern the two Ian Semple runners Mintlaw and Byron Bay, with the former just getting the decsion. The selection landed a seven furlong contest on his final start of last season, easily beating some decent types. She finished third in a conditions event on her seasonal debut, before disappointing on fast ground last time. She obviously prefers plenty of cut and could return to her best this afternoon. Stable companion Byron Bay had some decent types behind when a well beaten runner up behind Artistic Style last time. Another big run can be expected on a course he obviously excells at. Love Angel may be just about in the handicappers grip, but is a game performer and should be involved in the finish. The pick of the others could be the Sir Mark Prescott trained Strudel, but on this ground we have to go with Mintlaw.
Ionian Spring (IRE) 11-4 (9-2) Held up, good headway on outer over 2f out, chased winner and hung left over 1f out, one pace, 2nd of 16, 1 1/2l behind Sawwaah (9-4) at Ayr 1m 1f clm (5) gd in Sept.
Regent's Secret (USA) 8-1 (9-10) Held up towards rear, effort 3f out, no impression after, 8th of 13, 12l behind Dispol Foxtrot (8-6) at Hamilton 1m 1f hcp (3) gd in Sept.
Mintlaw 9-1 (9-5) Held up, pushed along 4f out, effort over 2f out, no impression, last of 5, 17l behind Interim Payment (9-2) at Doncaster 1m 2f fll hcp (4) gf in Jul.
McQueen (IRE) 33-1 (8-12) Mid-division, effort 4f out, not much room over 3f out, weakened 2f out, eased over 1f out, 14th of 16, 26l behind Traprain (8-7) at Nottingham 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Strudel (IRE) 5-2fav (8-11) Held up behind leaders, switched left over 2f out, ridden and one pace final 2f, 5th of 16, 8l behind Rawdon (9-4) at Haydock 1m 3f hcp (4) gs in Sept.
Double Vodka (IRE) 9-1 (8-10) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, no impression, 7th of 12, 9l behind Ryan's Future (9-0) at Ayr 1m 2f hcp (4) gd in Sept.
Byron Bay 16-1 (7-13) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, no extra, 2nd of 6, 7l behind Artistic Style (8-13) at Ayr 1m 2f hcp 0-95 (3) sft in Sept.
Love Angel (USA) 7-2jt-fav (8-13) Led, headed over 3f out, soon ridden, kept on final furlong, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Kylkenny (8-13) at Hamilton 1m 3f app hcp (5) gs in Sept.
