in rear, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace, no impression
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, no extra entering final furlong
made all, pushed along over 1f out, stayed on well
chased winner, pushed along over 4f out, kept on same pace, no chance with winner final furlong
in touch and keen, stayed on from over 1f out, no impression
ALPEN GLEN looks capable of scaling these heights and is taken to get the better of stablemate Eastern Aria and Simplification. Amanjena has questions to answer following a modest reappearance although she was short enough in the market that day and progressed well in the second half of last season. Amanda Carter didn't appear too willing at Pontefract and remains best watched although she could be a factor on her best form. Simplification is bred to appreciate this step up in trip so it would be no surprise to see an improved performance from the Hannon runner who has been given plenty of time since finishing behind a couple of useful rivals at Kempton. Eastern Aria enjoyed the run of the race at Goodwood where she was always in command; a 4lb rise appears fair and there is the promise of more to come so she has to be respected. Marginal preference is for Alpen Glen who was unconsidered in the market on debut at Chepstow but ran the field ragged to score by six lengths from the warm favourite. The second home didn't appear to run up to her best but it was hard not to be taken with the performance of this half-sister to Aureate. The shorter trip shouldn't inconvenience her and we'll take Alpen Glen to confirm that impression by following up.
Amanjena 5-2 (9-1) Took keen hold and was close-up, ridden to challenge 3f out, effort over 2f out, soon weakened, last of 6, 30l behind Short Affair (9-0) at Doncaster 1m 2f (2) gs.
Amanda Carter 7-1 (9-12) Prominent, effort over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 5th of 8, 5l behind Fastnet Storm (9-1) at Pontefract 1m 2f hcp 0-90 (3) gf.
Alpen Glen 14-1 (8-12) Tracked leaders, led after 3f out, clear over 1f out, very easy, won at Chepstow 1m 4f fll mdn stks (5) gd beating Sweet Hollow (8-12) by 6l, 11 ran.
Eastern Aria (UAE) 5-1 (9-5) Led for 1f, regained lead over 7f out, clear over 5f out, hung left under pressure over 1f out, straightened and drew away final 100 yards, won at Goodwood 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) gd beating Just Like Silk (9-6) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.
Simplification 7-1 (8-13) In touch, driven along over 2f out, hard ridden to take 3rd inside final furlong, no chance with front pair, 3rd of 9, 5l behind Set The Trend (9-4) at Kempton 1m 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Apr.