John O’Riordan

4.30 SEA THE STARS

PRETTY POLLY STAKES

(GROUP 1) 1M2F

Brooch: Unbeaten on all four starts to date; progressing from a Galway maiden win through listed, Group 3 and Group 2 successes. Now steps up to the top level for the first time and must have every chance of being in the money. Any easing of the ground would certainly be a big help.

Mutatis Mutandis: Consistent filly in listed class in Britain over the past two seasons. Steps up markedly in grade here and may find it a bridge too far. She does however, have the profile of an improver and is fully entitled to her place in the line-up.

Pollyana: French raider whose best form is on much softer ground. She has the lowest official rating in this field and unless the heavens open over the next 24 hours, she has it all to do here.

Ribbons: A real credit to connections, James Fanshawe’s mare has gone from winning a Goodwood handicap off a mark of 75, to a very credible second in French Group 1. Unable to peg back Secret Gesture at York but has every chance of reaching the frame here.

Secret Gesture: Made all in impressive fashion at York in May. Unlikely to be given as much leeway on this occasion and is 3lb worse off with fast finishing Ribbons. Will undoubtedly run her race again but may find one or two have her measure.

Diamondsandrubies: Cheshire Oaks winner, who ran better than final placing in Epsom equivalent, having been hampered when making her challenge a furlong out. Not certain to be suited by drop back in trip but is arguably the dark horse of the race.

Legatissimo: Leading filly of the classic generation, she was impressive in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, before being beaten a short head in the Oaks. May just have had her stamina stretched on the latter occasion and this intermediate trip is likely to prove her optimum distance. Looks the one to beat.

Pleascach: Irish 1000 Guineas winner who started a short-priced favourite for the Ribblesdale Stakes at Ascot. If her defeat to Curvy (stablemate of Legatissimo) can be attributed to a failure to stay a mile and a half, then she is another who can make her presence felt at the business end.

Tamadhor: Staying on sixth behind Pleascach at the Curragh before winning a rated race at Fairyhouse last time. Needs to improve on what she has shown to date in order to trouble the principals.

The Verdict

Legatissimo was a very impressive winner at Newmarket and almost completed the classic double at Epsom earlier this month. Now racing over what appears to be her ideal trip, she can add to her growing reputation. Pleascach makes a quick reappearance after her Ascot defeat and if none the worse for those exertions she can put it up to the selection.