4.20 PRETTY POLLY STAKES (GROUP 1)

Creggs Pipes: A revelation over the last year or so, rising over 30lbs in the handicap, progressing through the grades and now gets her chance at a Group 1. She gave her best performance on her latest start when winning a Group 2 at this track. There has to be a slight doubt about her stamina for this longer trip but she would have a serious chance if staying.

Journey: Won a Group 1 contest at Ascot last season. Ran a huge race when just weakening late on in the Coronation Cup at Epsom last time. The drop back to 10 furlongs looks ideal. Looks the one to beat.

Laganore: A listed winner at Newmarket last season, she has also been placed in Italy at the highest level. Worth taking a chance as she looks an improving type. No great surprise to see her run well.

Nezwaah: Lightly-raced type who has quickly progressed through the ranks. Winning form at listed level but this demands much more. Not without a chance but needs to step up on her best form.

Santa Monica: Had only a Dundalk maiden success to her name prior to taking a Group 3 at Cork last time. Has the ability to improve into a nice performer in time but may just find this race coming too soon.

Smart Call: Multiple Group 1 winner in South Africa; stayed on nicely to be nearest at finish on her stable debut at York in May. Last seen in the Duke Of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot and coped well when fourth in strong class. Will be suited to this longer distance.

Turret Rocks: Has finished behind a couple of these recently so requires a career best to take the spoils.

Zhukova: Course-and-distance winner who seems to find ground no issue. Likely to handle testing soft conditions. Her last-time-out success in the Man o’ War Stakes at Belmont Park mark her out as a leading contender.

Intricately: Tasted Group 1 success in the Moyglare Stakes at this course last season. Made a promising seasonal debut in Group 3 company at Leopardstown but has found Winter far too strong of late. Could run better now.

Pocketfullofdreams:

Only shed her maiden tag in midweek. Races off the same mark here so faces a huge task taking on far more experienced rivals. Type to do better given time and experience but maybe not today.

Rain Goddess: Ran a huge race in French Guineas prior to close second in Sandringham Handicap at Royal Ascot last time. Has work to do on official ratings but could be capable of better. Ryan Moore chooses her over stablemate.

VERDICT

JOURNEY has proven her ability to perform at the highest level so should take plenty of beating now. The British raider wasn’t disgraced in a stronger contest last time so will find this easier. Zhukova was a big-race winner at Belmont Park last time out so represents a big danger.