PONTEFRACT 15:10

Non Runners: NO POPPY (IRE). Race Distance Adjustment: +12 yds

Time: 1m 45.93s Closing Sectional: (2f): 27.2s (96.5%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 115%, Betfair SP 99.6%

A few disappointments - most notably the favourite – means it is hard to rate the bare form of this fillies listed race too highly, though that should not detract from the winner who is a likeable type; the pace was on the increase from 3f out, third-placed Pelerin setting sail at that point, her effort worth marking up as she paid for her swift move late on.

NAKUTI (IRE) after 8 weeks off, produced a career best to spring something of a surprise, though there would appear no fluke to this performance for all a couple in behind were markedly below par; mid-division, headway when short of room 2f out, stayed on to lead final 1f, driven out; a penalty for this success won't make life easy, but she is both tough and reliable and shouldn't be underestimated moving forward.

MERRY ME (IRE) ran up to her best having been well backed, just finding one too strong for the second start in a row, comfortably reversing Epsom handicap form with the fifth-placed Gratzie on 9 lb better terms; prominent, ridden over 2f out, upsides final 1f, stayed on, had every chance.

PELERIN (IRE) in need of the run on her return, shaped as if back in top form 7 weeks on (went without cheekpieces), just failing to get home on the uphill climb to the line, her rider committing her some way out; prominent, kicked clear over 2f out and briefly looked to have stolen a march, closed down and headed final 1f, no extra, made effort earlier than ideal; already a winner at this level, she should remain competitive from here on in.

REKDHAT (IRE) upped in grade, was unable to build on the promise of her reappearance, though wasn't ideally placed when the tempo lifted and it would be no surprise to see her quickly bounce back; waited with, pushed along over 2f out, never on terms.

GRATZIE failed to confirm the improved form shown against male rivals in this grade at Windsor 10 days earlier; mid-division, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out.

TEMPTRESS (IRE) the pick of the weights based on her second in the Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot, proved bitterly disappointing, poorly placed but more to this performance than that, perhaps not over those exertions, either way it will probably pay to give her another chance, her profile overwhelmingly positive beforehand; dropped out, ridden under 3f out, made no impression.

QUEEN CATRINE (IRE) turned in a poor effort, allowed to control the pace upon getting to the front but putting up little resistance once headed; soon led, not settle fully, headed over 2f out, folded.

MISS BUCKSHOT (IRE) had plenty to find and shouldn't be judged too harshly on this for all she finished well beaten; slowly into stride, held up, struggling in rear over 2f out; needs her sights lowering.