Dave Loughnane mulling Royal Ascot options for impressive winner Carmela

Friday: Carlisle

Dave Loughnane has his sights on the Albany or Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot for Carmela after she registered a second win from three starts.

The daughter of Tasleet finished a neck clear of Cold Case in the 5f novice, bouncing back from a disappointing run last time.

"We needed to know if she was good enough to be going to Royal Ascot, but she was impressive today and is really tough like her dad," Loughnane said.

"The main thing was to get the job done and then decide if she goes to Ascot. It's in the forefront of our minds and she'll get entries in the Albany and Queen Mary and then we'll decide from there."

After winning on her debut at Yarmouth, Carmela was fifth in the Listed Marygate Stakes at York this month.

"We were disappointed because she got taken out when coming out of the stalls and we felt she never got to show her true colours," Loughnane said.

"Her dad was a very tough and honest sprinter and she has clearly taken after him. When a horse wants to win, which is half the battle, it makes my job easier.”

Midgley double

Trainer Paul Midgley completed a quickfire double, headlined by Elegant Erin in the feature 5f fillies’ handicap.

Elzaal, recording his first victory in 21 starts, took the 5f handicap for Midgley.

Results, replays and analysis

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