Durcan Bloodstock Pat Smullen Memorial Fillies' Handicap

Off time: 16:01 | Winning time: 1m 38.08s

(4)

Queen's Reign³⁶

Age: 3| Weight: 9-9| J: Oisin Murphy| T: E Walker| OR: 85| C| D

5/6

Has shown much improved form sent handicapping this year, suited by the step up in trip when winning 11-runner contest at Goodwood (8f, good) last month. Scored only narrowly but she remains unexposed so could be capable of following up.

Form: 317-41

(6)

Speriamo⁴¹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-8| J: Tom Marquand| T: P J McBride| OR: 74| CD

5/1

Successful over C&D last summer and shaped better than the result when eighth of 13 at this venue (8f, good to firm) on her latest outing, faring best of those who raced in the centre. Back down to her last winning mark so she's not written off.

Form: 137-408

(3)

Islanova²²

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: R Kingscote| T: Sir Michael Stoute| OR: 80

15/2

From a family that the yard knows well and left her debut form behind when runner-up in maiden at Bath (8f, good) on return. Left poorly placed when fifth of 12 in minor event at Goodwood last time, so she could yet do better as she goes handicapping.

Form: 0-25

(5)

Aurora's Beauty⁴⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 9-4| J: W Buick| T: C Appleby| OR: 80

9/2

600,000 gns yearling who was much improved from her debut when third in maiden at this venue (8f, good to firm) in April. Wasn't at the same level when third in similar event at Windsor 40 days ago, so she needs to resume her progress on her handicap bow.

Form: 433

(1)

Mercury Day²⁷

Age: 3| Weight: 9-2| J: Jim Crowley| T: C Allen| OR: 78| D

10/1

Chased home the now-smart Frost At Dawn on final 2-y-o start/last run for Ralph Beckett and made a winning start for current yard in a Nottingham maiden (8.3f, good) in May. Could still have more to offer at this trip as she makes her handicap debut.

Form: 422-1

Non-Runners

(2)

Surveyor³⁷

Weight: 9-3| Age: 3

T: J R Fanshawe J: S M Levey

Forecasts

Queen's Reign (5/6), Aurora's Beauty (9/2), Speriamo (5/1), Islanova (15/2), Mercury Day (10/1), Surveyor (14/1)

Upped to 1m, QUEEN'S REIGN continued her progress when making her second handicap start a winning one at Goodwood last time and she can score again with the potential of further improvement to come. A pair of handicap debutantes could be the main dangers, with the well-bred Islanova feared most ahead of Mercury Day.