Dar targeting Polly prize

John Gosden’s Dar Re Mi goes in search of her first Group One success in the Audi Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh on Saturday.

The Singspiel filly narrowly came up short at the highest level twice last season, filling the runner-up spot in the Yorkshire Oaks as well as chasing home wonder filly Zarkava in the Prix Vermeille.

She was narrowly edged out by Crystal Capella in a thrilling renewal of the Middleton Stakes at York in May and Simon Marsh, racing manager to owner Lord Lloyd-Webber, believes she deserves a big-race success.

“She’s in good form and ready to take her chance at the weekend, all being well,” said Marsh.

“She ran really well at York in what was a fantastic race and a race for everybody to savour. It was unfortunate she came off second best on the day but there you go.

“We are up against two very good fillies in Look Here and Katiyra at the weekend but we’d be hopeful and I think she deserves to take her chance.

“She’s been unlucky to have bumped into Zarkava and Lush Lashes at her best in Group Ones already and it would be magnificent if she could win one.

“She’s a lovely filly and has as good a pedigree as you could ever wish for.

“Obviously you would always prefer good ground but she has won on good to firm and won on soft, so I think the ground for her is not particularly an issue.

“It’s not a question of whether she’s good enough on Saturday, it’s just a question of whether the others are better.”