chased leaders, driven and outpaced halfway, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on under pressure to lead final 100 yards
with leader, ridden to lead 1f out, kept on until headed and no extra final 100 yards
led, ridden and headed 1f out, no extra final furlong
held up, ridden to chase leaders over 1f out, kept on same pace, no impression
dwelt, soon in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, one pace and no impression final furlong
in touch, ridden over 1f out, stayed on under pressure to chase winner well inside final furlong
As often is the case this fillies' handicap is not the strongest of contests and MIDNIGHT FANTASY looks capable of giving weight and a beating to all but one of her opponents, while Sanvean and Oriental Rose are respected. The selection has been dropped 3lbs for being soundly beaten at Ripon last time in a better contest than this, and today's mark of 70 is much more likely to enable her to show her true ability. Six furlongs and fast ground are ideal for her and she can record a third win from just 10 attempts. Sanvean took a Kempton maiden over a mile back in March but the handicapper has been asking far too much of her since then. She should have enough ability to get competitive again now, but the drop back in trip gives her a bit to prove. Oriental Rose has shown some solid form in context in a succession of good or fast ground handicaps this summer, though she hasn't managed to add to a Doncaster success from last year, and at the weights she is likely to find one too good again today. Halcyon Dancer makes her handicap debut and should be very competitive from a lowly mark of just 58, while Redcar specialist Who's Shirl seems to reserve her best for the coastal venue, and from this mark she might well give a good account if taking to this place. Midnight Fantasy looks realistic win material.
Midnight Fantasy 5-1 (8-6) Towards rear, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous, 9th of 11, 7l behind Bajan Tryst (8-11) at Ripon 6f 3yo hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Jul.
Caranbola 20-1 (8-12) Outpaced, always last, last of 10, 8l behind Medicean Man (9-3) at Haydock 6f 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) hvy in Jul.
Oriental Rose 5-1 (8-5) With leader, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace under pressure final furlong, 4th of 5, 4l behind Ingleby Lady (9-6) at Redcar 6f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Lady Vivien 14-1 (9-3) Soon pushed along in rear, ridden over 2f out, eased approaching 1f out, last of 7, 17l behind Red Kyte (9-7) at Pontefract 5f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) gs in Jul.
Exceedingly Good (IRE) 9-2 (9-1) Mid-division, outpaced halfway, soon lost place, 10th of 12, 11l behind Minturno (8-9) at Redcar 6f 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gf in May.
Halcyon Dancer 11-2 (8-12) Led, ridden 2f out, headed 1f out, one pace, 3rd of 13, 7l behind Wood Fairy (8-12) at Thirsk 7f mdn stks (5) gd in Jul.
Who's Shirl 14-1 (8-7) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, edged right well over 1f out, good headway soon after, ran on to take 2nd inside final furlong, not reached winner, 2nd of 18, 3/4l behind Just Sam (9-0) at Redcar 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Jul.
Sanvean (IRE) 33-1 (8-11) Towards rear, pushed along and outpaced over 2f out, kept on final furlong, never dangerous, 5th of 9, 6l behind Rafta (7-12) at Leicester 7f 3yo fll hcp 0-80 (4) gs in Jul.
