PONTEFRACT 15:20 6ncd

All 9 ran.

Time: 1m 43.96s Closing Sectional: (2f): 24.75s (104.6%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 114%, Betfair SP 101%

With both standard setters below their best this was just a useful listed event for fillies, one that was steadily run to boot, but the winner did well after a hold-up ride, whilst further back Zenga and Kingmania were better than the bare result.

DHA LEATH (IRE) didn't need to improve much to make a successful transition from handicaps, but whilst she got a nice run through towards the inner, she did well the way this developed, coming from further back than ideal, especially for one normally campaigned over further; waited with, shaken up home turn, had plenty to do 2f out but kept on well, led final 100 yds, won going away; she's a likeable type and should remain of interest provided her sights aren't set too high.

ESPRESSOO after 6 weeks off, ran a cracker having just her second start at this trip, aided by a good ride from the front; dictated, pushed along early in straight, headed final 100 yds; this gets her some valuable black type, but on the downside she'll be tricky to place in the short term, likely to remain vulnerable at this level whilst her mark seems sure to go back up for this effort.

PURPLEPAY (FR) after 3 months off, did better than in her 2 starts in Australia earlier in the year but still fell a fair way short of her smart best, this having to go down as a missed opportunity; in touch, driven over 2f out, every chance 1f out, not quicken.

ZENGA again shaped well, leaving the firm impression she'd have given the winner most to think about had she enjoyed more luck in running; mid-field, shaken up home turn, good headway when short of room approaching final 1f, forced to switch, ran on late, never nearer; she's one to be interested in, capable of making a bigger impact at this level and well treated if connections decide to go back to handicap company (BHA mark of 86 unlikely to be duly affected by this run).

AL AGAILA (IRE) didn't match her all-weather form but fared a lot better than on her other turf start this year, not beaten all that far tackling listed company for the first time; prominent, ridden over 2f out, faded final 1f, better placed than most.

KINGMANIA (IRE) back under less testing conditions, ran well after 10 weeks off, shaping better than the distance beaten suggests; dwelt, in rear, travelled smoothly (bit keen in early stages), had to wait for gap around 2f out, shaken up over 1f out, late headway, had a hopeless task from position; she's the type who is ideally suited by coming off a strong gallop and there's a bigger performance in her when things drop right.

LOVE INTEREST turned in best effort of the season, but didn't carry much win threat and is best rated on this display for the time being; mid-field, raced freely, struggling when hampered 1f out, plugged on.

MARY SALOME (IRE) was flying too high in this grade and ran as well as could be expected; prominent, pushed along over 2f out, weakened final 1f.

FALL IN LOVE (IRE) on first outing since leaving Hiroo Shimizu after 5 months off, could hardly have shown any less; always behind; she showed form verging on smart in last year and will probably benefit from a return to middle distances, but does now have something to prove after this low-key return.