Review CURRAGH 1-JUL-2000

Barry Hills and his son Michael combined to record their first success in the G2 Hunston Financial Pretty Polly Stakes when Lady Upstage held off local hope Preseli.

After Spinning Top (2/1-11/8f) dropped away before the 2f pole, Michael Hills sent his filly into the lead but she began to idle up front and only had a sh to spare on the line.

'It was a close call. I'll keep her to that trip 1m2f and the Champion Stakes at Newmarket is a possible,' said Barry Hills.

Mick Kinane tweaked a muscle in his back when finishing 7th on Spinning Top, a first runner in Ireland owned by The Queen, and stood himself down for the remainder of the day.

Michael Stoute's warm favourite was found to be slightly lame on her off-fore while Eddie Ahern, who rode runner-up Preseli, was banned for 2 days for excessive use of his whip.

John Reid, who was delayed in traffic, missed his intended ride, Cape Grace (8th) in the Pretty Polly but arrived later to finish 3rd on Churlish Charm (6/4-5/4f) behind Quality Team.

Quality Team, who was bought with the Triumph Hurdle in mind by Michael Smurfit during the week, scored in the colours of the Moyglare Stud Farm in the G3 Curragh Cup.

'Moyglare supplemented this horse for #5,250 but is now owned by Mr Smurfit. At the moment the plan is to have him gelded on Monday,' said Weld.

Favourite backers suffered another blow in the finale when the Kevin Prendergast's Shibl defeated Margay (13/8f) under a determined ride from Declan McDonogh.

Racing opened with the surprise defeat of well-touted Ballydoyle newcomer Freud, who was supported at all rates from 4/11 to 1/5f.

Mick Kinane had to switch his mount on more than one occasion but when he eventually got a clear run he couldn't peg back the John Oxx-trained Blixen (3/1-6/1) who got first run under John Murtagh.

'She's a nice filly and is very switched on mentally. She was in no way green and knew more about this game than we thought. The Anglesey Stakes is next,' said Oxx afterwards.

Turn Turtle (5/1-11/2) survived a stewards enquiry after holding off Persian King (20/1) and Thepointaboutitis (6/1), who was denied a clear run by the Con Collins-trained winner.

Jim Bolger's Citizen Edward (11/2f) followed up on his Leopardstown victory on Wednesday when scoring narrowly from Larifaari in the 7f handicap.

Paul Scallan was stood down for 48 hours after suffering a fall from Pip'nJudy and will now miss the ride on Shoal Creek in the Derby.

BF