AYR 16:20 646350

Non Runners: TEARS OF THE SUN, LUSTROUS, HOT SAUCE (IRE), MAYBELATER.

Time: 2m 13.02s Closing Sectional: (3f): 39.15s (101.9%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 117%, Betfair SP 99.1%

This won’t be the strongest fillies and mares listed contest run this year, but it was still a useful contest and it nevertheless looks a result to view positively, particularly in the case of the progressive Maleficent Queen, who looks the type to make her mark at a higher level before too long; the pace was true.

MALEFICENT QUEEN showed further improvement to extend her winning sequence to five in comfortable fashion, breaking her duck at this level at the first attempt and continuing a theme of run-to-run progression, the way in which she powered through the race suggesting there's likely to be even more in her locker when required; never far away, travelled strongly, produced to lead 2f out, kept on well final 1f, well on top finish; a most progressive and versatile filly, she looks well up to making her mark in filly and mares' group races this season.

MORE MISCHIEF continues in good heart and deserves credit for consistency, only giving best to a progressive sort that continues to go from strength to strength; led briefly early, chased leaders after 1f, close up end of back straight, led 3f out, headed 2f out, stuck to task; will continue to give a good in races of this nature.

NAMHROODAH (IRE) back down in trip, ran creditably after 8 months off, just unable to reel back a pair to whom she was conceding race fitness over a trip likely to prove shorter than her optimum; soon steadied, ridden entering straight, chased leaders 2f out, one paced.

ELBERETH back up in grade, again wasn't disgraced, once shaping as if a return to further would ideally suited; waited with, headway entering straight, ridden 2f out, one paced; will benefit from return to around 1½m.

BRANDYBEND (IRE) went backwards from reappearance, possibly unsuited by the worsening conditions (for all she's proven on soft); dwelt, mid-field, ridden over 2f out, no extra over 1f out.

HAALAN ran below form and is likely to benefit from a return to calmer waters; prominent, weakened from 2f out.

CHAIN OF DAISIES is best not judged too harshly on this return, encountering testing conditions for the first time in her career and probably needing the run in any case; soon led, headed 3f out, weakened; likely to be much closer to form next time.

CORECZKA (IRE) back up in trip, was flying too high in this grade; raced off the pace, never dangerous.

PERSONA GRATA did no better dropped in grade; dwelt, always behind.

LOAVES AND FISHES clearly wasn't 100% on the day; handy, lost place entering straight, beaten when eased over 2f out.