A seven-runner renewal of the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes on ground officially described as good to good-to-yielding in places. Historically, the Curragh over this trip tends to favour those racing close to the pace, and with an even pace forecast and no confirmed trailblazer, this may play into the hands of prominent racers. Draw bias is typically minimal here over 1m2f, and again looks neutral.

Contenders Overview

WHIRL (TFR 124p) has a strong profile. She improved significantly when winning the Musidora by over five lengths before running a neck second in the Oaks, sticking to her task gamely in a well-run race. Proven at the trip and likely to be suited by the tactical scenario, she’s a confirmed front-runner and still open to further progress as the ‘p’ symbol suggests. Trainer Aidan O’Brien has won this three times in the past ten years and his Curragh strike rate is a notable 22%.

KALPANA (TFR 122), the highest-rated older filly in the field, comes in off a credible third in the Tattersalls Gold Cup behind high-class opposition. She was very progressive throughout last season and this trip is fine, although she may ideally want slightly further. Tactically versatile and fit from that reappearance, she represents the Andrew Balding/Colin Keane combination, and the stable is in form.

SURVIE (TFR 116) was second to Aventure (an Arc runner-up) on seasonal reappearance in the Prix Corrida. Her best form is at 1m4f, and she may find herself short of toe in this company, especially if they sprint late. Her French form entitles her to respect but she is more of a galloper than a sharp turn-of-foot type. She typically races just off the pace and may need gaps to open at the right time.

WEMIGHTAKEDLONGWAY (TFR 115) outran expectations when fourth in the Oaks after winning the Salsabil Stakes at Navan. Another prominent racer, she could be well suited to the track’s configuration and the race shape here. Joseph O’Brien has trained two winners of this in the last ten years and often targets it. Significant improvement would be needed to beat the principals, but she’s tough and consistent.

HIGHER LEAVES (TFR 111) made a satisfactory return in the Prix Ganay but was last of six, beaten five and a half lengths. She typically makes the running but looks vulnerable to stronger stayers and lacks the class of the top pair. Best form is around 10-12f, but she may find one or two too strong again.

MAGICAL HOPE (TFR 107) won the Munster Oaks recently but was workmanlike and hasn’t beaten top-class rivals yet. Transferred from France after winning a listed race in Germany, she has some upside, but is held on ratings and may find the early pace a bit sharp.

JANCIS (TFR 108) was unlucky last time in the Lanwades Stud Stakes when denied a clear run. That effort came over a mile and she shaped as though further would suit. She does tend to be held up and, with no guaranteed strong pace here, may require luck in running. Needs a career-best and hasn’t shown she’s up to Group 1 level yet.

Trainer Trends & Comments

Aidan O’Brien (WHIRL) – 3 wins last 10 years.

Joseph O’Brien (WEMIGHTAKEDLONGWAY) – 2 wins in same span.

Watch for support on WHIRL and WEMIGHTAKEDLONGWAY.

No runners are returning from layoffs over 90 days, so fitness shouldn’t be a major concern.


Ratings out of 10 (Track/Trip/Going Suitability + Form)

WHIRL – 9/10 (Proven, Promising, Tactical fit)

KALPANA – 8.5/10 (Proven, Consistent, slight trip doubt)

WEMIGHTAKEDLONGWAY – 7/10 (Progressive, Tactically suited)

SURVIE – 6.5/10 (Proven, Trip a question)

JANCIS – 5.5/10 (Needs pace, upgrade from last)

HIGHER LEAVES – 5/10 (Fading form)

MAGICAL HOPE – 5/10 (Held on ratings)


Private Tissue Estimate (based on TFR, trends, tactical match and current form)

WHIRL – 7/4

KALPANA – 9/4

WEMIGHTAKEDLONGWAY – 10/1

SURVIE – 12/1

HIGHER LEAVES – 20/1

JANCIS – 20/1

MAGICAL HOPE – 25/1


Summary This looks a match on paper between the progressive WHIRL and the classy, battle-tested KALPANA. WHIRL’s tactical position, weight allowance and potential for further improvement give her the edge. KALPANA is a worthy rival and will run to form, but may find the sharper trip just catching her out against a quicker filly.

Smart Play Win bet: WHIRL – top Timeform rating, strong recent form and perfect tactical scenario. Saver: KALPANA – solid back-up, proven in Group 1s, handles all goings, consistent.