tracked leader, lost 2nd when hit 3 out, no extra from next
tracked leaders, niggled along before 3 out, led when hit 2 out, clear from last, stayed on well
held up in touch on outside, took keen hold, closed from 4 out, challenged 3 out, stayed on same pace from last, no impression on winner
led, clear 3rd until 5th, headed 2 out, no extra flat
held up, reminder after 4th, not fluent next, driven 4 out, well beaten next
held up in touch, outpaced before 3 out, stayed on from last, went 3rd towards finish
THE ROAD AHEAD won a similar contest over track and trip four weeks ago and can defy a 6lb higher mark getting 5lb from Playhara, who has got her act together but has been found wanting on two previous tries over this longer distance. Midnight Minx did well to beat favourite Dolores Delightful at Uttoxeter but wouldn't want the ground to get any faster. Lady Fingers is better than she showed at Towcester last time but Nellie Forbush looks to have a bit to find and the maiden Sapphire Moon also needs more.
Midnight Minx 5-1 (10-11) Tracked leaders, not fluent 6th, went 2nd before next, led 2 out, edged right before mistake last, headed flat, led again towards finish, won at Uttoxeter 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gs in May beating Dolores Delightful (10-9) by shd, 8 ran.
Playhara (IRE) 4-6fav (12-0) Tracked leaders, led 3 out, drew clear after next, stayed on strongly, won at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-100 (5) sft in May beating Uno Valoroso (10-10) by 7l, 5 ran.
The Road Ahead 5-1fav (10-7) Tracked leaders, not fluent when close up 3 out, led after next, not fluent last, edged left flat, driven out, won at Aintree 2m 4f mrs hcp hdl 0-120 (4) gd in May beating My Legal Lady (11-1) by 1 3/4l, 14 ran.
Lady Fingers 5-1 (12-1) Tracked leaders, led 3 out, headed before 2 out, soon weakened, 7th of 12, 35l behind Pure Poteen (11-1) at Towcester 3m hcp hdl 0-100 (5) gs in May.
Nellie Forbush 16-1 (11-0) Midfield, under pressure 4 out, soon beaten, left in 3rd at last, kept on under pressure, 3rd of 8, 31l behind Catching On (11-11) at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in May.
Sapphire Moon 9-1 (11-10) Mid-division, headway after 8th, slow next, 4th and outpaced 3 out, stayed on same pace from next, 4th of 12, 10l behind Phar Away Island (9-13) at Uttoxeter 3m nov hcp hdl 0-100 (5) gd in May.
