Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes |
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| Fillies Group 1, Curragh 15:55 Winner: €400,000 guaranteed 1m 2f  |
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This is one of the defining middle-distance contests for fillies and mares in Ireland, and the 2026 renewal at the Curragh already has the look of a deep and high-class edition. With proven older performers, progressive international contenders and a sizeable three-year-old challenge all engaged, the race promises to play a major role in shaping the summer programme for the division.
At the head of the established brigade is Minnie Hauk, whose course-and-distance form makes her an obvious focal point. She brings strong ratings, proven class and the profile of a filly capable of playing a major role if returning to her best, particularly around a track where balance and the ability to sustain a long run are so important.
Kalpana brings another compelling profile, her best form suggesting she has the class and stamina required for a race of this nature. She is effective over this trip and appeals as the type who can travel powerfully before delivering a sustained challenge up the Curragh straight.
See The Fire adds further depth among the older mares, arriving with a strong rating and proven effectiveness over ten furlongs. Her ability to quicken off a solid pace could make her particularly dangerous if the race develops tactically.
French interest is strong, with Aventure, Sunly, Cankoura and Tajlina all entered. Aventure in particular brings proven middle-distance quality and could add an important international dimension to the race, while Sunly and Cankoura look the type to be suited by a truly-run contest.
Among the progressive older fillies, Estrange and Fairy Glen command respect after building consistent and upwardly mobile profiles. Estrange arrives with proven form at the trip, while Fairy Glen has the look of a mare still improving and could easily take another step forward in this company.
The home team has considerable strength in depth. Fallen Angel, One Look, Cercene, Red Letter, Faiyum and Catalina Delcarpio all bring pieces of form that make them interesting, while Friendly Soul remains a fascinating name on ability if returning in full order.
The three-year-old challenge is led by Precise, whose profile marks her down as one of the most exciting younger fillies in the entries. With strong form already achieved and the benefit of the weight allowance, she could become a major player if connections opt to test her against older rivals.
True Love is another notable three-year-old, bringing high-class form and proven effectiveness at the Curragh, while Diamond Necklace adds further Ballydoyle intrigue as an unbeaten filly with significant potential still to be uncovered.
Others from the younger generation, including Amelia Earhart, Beautify, Cameo, Sugar Island, Thundering On and Venetian Lace, underline the strength of the Classic crop and ensure the race could yet develop into a telling clash between youth and experience.
Tactically, the Pretty Polly often rewards those able to hold a prominent position without over-racing. The Curragh’s long straight gives every runner time to deliver a challenge, but it can also expose any weakness in stamina or resolution once the tempo lifts.
In that context, proven ten-furlong performers such as Minnie Hauk, Kalpana and See The Fire set a high standard, but the presence of improving fillies like Precise, True Love and Diamond Necklace gives the race a particularly intriguing shape.
As ever, the Pretty Polly Stakes promises not only to crown a high-class winner on the day, but also to provide a strong pointer towards the major fillies’ and mares’ races later in the summer.
Pretty Polly Stakes (Fillies' Group 1)
Winner: €400,000, 3yo plus, 1m 2f, Class 1
41 entries
Going:
