Izzi Top bags third Pretty Polly for Gosden

Izzi Top, confidently handled by jockey-in-form William Buick, brushed aside the challenge of favourite Sapphire to give trainer John Gosden a third win in the Group 1 Barclays Bank Ireland Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh yesterday.

The Sunday feature attracted only four runners, following the withdrawal of Aidan O’Brien’s Was (heading straight for the Darley Irish Oaks) and Maybe (Falmouth Stakes in Newmarket) plus Jessica Harrington’s Bible Belt.

The race developed on predictable lines as Pat Smullen dictated the pace on Sapphire, a proven soft ground performer, tracked throughout by the eventual winner, with the other pair never able to deliver a telling bow, although closing in the final furlong.