quickly away, soon crossed over to lead on rail, made rest, driven and in command final 1f, ran on well
held up, headway 2f out, kept on final 1f, never troubled leaders
went right start, held up on outside, pushed along and kept on to take modest 3rd over 1f out
chased winner to 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders to halfway, weakened over 2f out
pulled hard, held up on rail, headway to chase leaders halfway, eased out to chase winner 2f out, driven over 1f out, no impression final 1f
held up in rear, pushed along halfway, never a factor
The last four winners of this race all had the experience of at least one previous run; therefore from a shortlist of Nimue, Mystic Millie, Damietta and POPPY SEED, it is the last-named who just edges the vote. Richard Hannon's filly ran well on her debut at Newbury earlier this month, where she just ran out of steam late on. The rain-softened ground probably went against her then and she can put her experience to good use now on a quicker surface. So Surreal has the benefit of two runs under her belt; Gary Moore's daughter of Avonbridge seemed to improve from first to second runs but the form of her last start doesn't appear amazing at first glance. Nimue's price more than doubled as a two-year-old and she is related to some very smart performers across the Atlantic, Mystic Millie is bred to be fairly smart and is related to a juvenile winner, whilst Beyond Desire represents a speedy and fairly precocious blood line. Bonheurs Art is a ¿90,000 purchase whose siblings needed a run or two before they were able to score. First Term is a stablemate of the selection but she doesn't jump off the page being out of a strong-staying mare, so a bigger threat may be Damietta. She represents strong connections and cannot be underestimated, especially if the market agrees, however it is Poppy Seed who can put her experience to good use.
Beyond Desire Invincible Spirit filly out of Compradore.
Bonheurs Art (IRE) Acclamation filly out of Anneliina.
Damietta (USA) More Than Ready filly out of Dixie Eyes Blazing.
First Term Acclamation filly out of School Days.
Mystic Millie (IRE) Bertolini filly out of Present Imperfect.
Nimue (USA) Speightstown filly out of Flag Support.
So Surreal (IRE) 10-1 (9-0) Bumped start, chased leaders, ridden 2f out, chased clear leader well over 1f out, no impression when lost 2nd inside final furlong, 3rd of 11, 2 1/4l behind Puff (9-0) at Lingfield 6f 2yo mdn fll stks (5) pol.
Specialising Nayef filly out of Spry.
Poppy Seed 5-1 (9-0) With leaders, pushed along to lead approaching 2f out, ridden and headed entering final furlong, soon one pace and no chance with winner, weakened towards finish, 4th of 12, 6l behind Conniption (9-0) at Newbury 6f 2yo stks (4) sft.
