AYR 16:55

All 9 ran. Hurdles: 12.

Time: 6m 11.2s

Overrounds: Industry SP 117%, Betfair SP 102%

A useful mares handicap in which a pair of lightly-raced improvers pulled clear of a fairly consistent type in Golden Sparkle; even though they were soon strung out the gallop was modest overall, easing mid-race before things began in earnest from 4 out, and the winner had the run of things more than the second.

LAND OF VIC was easily excused her last run, clearly not 100% that day, and quickly resumed winning ways, improving another chunk to overcome a 10 lb higher mark than for her handicap win at Ludlow; dictated, pushed along before 2 out, tackled there, found plenty, looked willing, albeit having had the run of the race.

CLARA MC CLOUD (IRE) was turned out very quickly having won easily at Limerick just 2 days earlier but ran well over 2f longer trip, shaping like the best at the weights; patiently ridden, travelled strongly, steady headway after 5 out, challenged 2 out, one paced final 50 yds, not ideally placed and seen off only by one that had dictated; remains open to improvement and is a mare to follow for the time being.

GOLDEN SPARKLE (IRE) shaped similarly to last time; waited with, travelled well, headway when not fluent 3 out, kept on, would have benefited from a stronger gallop; likely to continue in form.

MICKIE is handicapped to the hilt on the face of it but typically gave her running despite the emphasis being more on speed than is probably ideal, the potential still there for a better performance if/when she gets a thorough stamina test again; tracked pace, outpaced after 3 out, plugged on.

MICRO MISSION (IRE) who was in first-time cheekpieces and a hood, faced a stiff task from out of the handicap and ran respectably; chased leaders, driven 4 out, one paced.

ROMANTIC FASHION (IRE) was beaten by more than lack of stamina over 2f longer trip, not in quite the same form as last time; tracked pace, not settle fully, close up after second, jumped right at times after and was ridden before 3 out, faded; she should stay 3m (by Milan and saw things out well over 21f in the mud last time).

TWIN PLAN (IRE) who won this race last year, disappointed; in rear, some headway after 4 out, weakened 2 out, not persevered with once held.

GULF PUNCH wasn't on a going day; mid-division, driven before 3 out, held before 2 out, made little impression; best treated with caution.

BULL AND BUSH (IRE) clearly wasn't 100% on the day and is better judged on previous efforts for the time being; mid-division, untidy fifth, labouring badly from 5 out, first beaten.