3 minute read

Misty For Me upstaged Midday in remarkable fashion when making all the running to land the Stobart Ireland Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh.

The Irish 1000 Guineas winner bounced back from a disappointing run in the Investec Oaks with a spectacular victory in this 10-furlong feature on rain-softened ground.

Seamie Heffernan soon had the Aidan O'Brien-trained filly out in front from Claiomh Solais, with Midday settled in third place by Tom Queally, and Misty For Me (100-30) showed no signs of stopping as she bolted up by six lengths from the 1-3 favourite, with Chrysanthemum in third.

O'Brien said: "Henry (Cecil, trainer of Midday) said he was very impressed. He was happy with his own filly and he's a special man.

"We're delighted with Misty For Me and she had the form on the board. Things didn't work out at Epsom and that can happen. She's been very well since and Seamie gave her a beautiful ride and got her into a lovely rhythm.

"We learned a lot from Epsom and that was her first time over a mile and a half, which we weren't sure about, and we might have restricted her too much.

"We're very happy with her today and she got a great ride. It's very possible that she could go for the Irish Oaks now, but we also have Wonder Of Wonders for that.

"Misty For Me would have no problem sticking at 10 furlongs and we'll have to go home and talk about it."

Heffernan added: "She is tough and genuine and I get a great tune out of her. I might have rode her wrong and she might not have handled the track at Epsom.

"I'd imagine the Irish Oaks would be the next step for her, but Wonder Of Wonders was always the one that we considered to be more of a mile-and-a-half filly."