Pyla confirmed herself to be on an upward curve when notching a second win in as many starts at Bath on Saturday, adding to last month’s Lingfield success with a gritty display in the mile handicap that concluded the card.
Raised 3lb for her opening victory, which appeared fair considering she had suffered a hefty bump inside the two, Pyla was sent off 11-8 favourite following the defection of her two chief rivals on account of the quickening ground and she made no mistake in the hands of George Baker.
Sat off the leaders as the six-strong field went only a moderate gallop early on, Pyla could be spotted travelling ominously well entering the last quarter mile, and she was forced to hit the front earlier than ideal as nothing could tow her into the race for any longer.
While Light Of Love fought on gamely in second and Call Me Crockett made ground from the rear, Pyla battled well inside the last furlong and was always doing enough to prevail by a neck.
A mile on quick ground appear her optimum conditions so hopefully the rain stays away for a little while longer, while Pyla would have benefitted from a more truly-run race, so she looks capable of overcoming a further rise and the hat-trick is very much on the cards.
Congratulations to the Hoofmark Partnership, who have had fun with this filly, and there is no reason why she should not continue to progress throughout the autumn.