ASCOT 16:20

Non Runners: LORD NORTH (IRE). Race Distance Adjustment: +11 yds

Time: 2m 6.86s Closing Sectional: (3.00f): 36.35s (104.6%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 110%, Betfair SP 99.7%

The withdrawal of the 2020 winner Lord North due to the ground made this a weaker renewal than it might have been, though the return of a pair of Group 1 winning fillies, particularly Love, ensured plenty of interest remained, both shaping really well with future targets in mind, even though the form may be nothing out of the ordinary for the grade, the race tactical in nature with the tempo lifting only approaching the home turn, the ride on the winner well judged.

LOVE (IRE) not seen since winning the Yorkshire Oaks, her third Group 1 win in 3 starts last year, made the most of a good opportunity under a well-judged ride, not needing to be at her best but setting up a campaign at the highest level in very promising fashion; dictated, quickened over 3f out, shaken up straight, battled well and proved game; she's sure to play her part in some of the top races to come, with a clash with Adayar in the King George an enticing possibility.

AUDARYA (FR) twice successful at the highest level against her own sex last year, shaped encouragingly on her return, making the winner work in the closing stages, even though always looking held, this an excellent platform for the top fillies races, the Nassau and Romanet obvious summer targets; waited with, headway entering straight, challenged over 1f out, kept on final 1f.

ARMORY (IRE) who sweated up badly at the start, ran respectably on firmer ground than previously, despite a race that didn't really go his way; held up, took keen hold, effort entering straight, not quicken over 2f out, stayed on inside final 1f, nearest at the finish; he'll be of interest again at this level.

MY OBERON (IRE) upped in trip and in first-time cheekpieces, ran to a similar level as last time, even though he was a bit keener than ideal (a combination of headgear and lack of pace); tracked pace, not settle fully, shaken up over 2f out, held when short of room soon after, not quicken final 1f.

DESERT ENCOUNTER (IRE) ran as well as could be expected, even though the race wasn't run to play to his strengths; in rear, effort entering straight, hung right, plugged on, made little impression.

SANGARIUS back on firmer ground, came up well short again, perhaps amiss, given how little he found off the bridle; tracked pace, travelled well, shaken up 2f out, folded tamely.