Robinson's tactics rewarded

RACING/Hunston Pretty Polly Stakes:  Philip Robinson might still be feeling the physical effects of a dramatic fall in the Epsom Derby but Tarfshi's success in Saturday's Hunston Pretty Polly Stakes showed the jockey's mind is still sharp.

He took full advantage of an uncontested lead on the Michael Jarvis-trained winner to kick in the straight and snag a vital couple of lengths.

The older filly hung on to pick up her first ever Group victory but in behind there were various hard -luck stories. None more so than Wrong Key, who just failed to give Kevin Prendergast third Pretty Polly in four years.

Slowly away, Wrong Key raced keenly in behind off the sedate pace and when eventually securing a run, she hung left on ground that may have been slightly too quick.

That was of little concern to Robinson, who reported: "Tarfshi just doesn't like being passed. I knew it would take something special to catch her after the others had allowed me an easy lead.

"I've still got a bit of a groin strain from that fall off Coshocton at Epsom and now and again I'm lame. I have had to give up tennis for a month, so I'll only be at Wimbledon as a spectator!"

The 1999 double Derby runner-up Daliapour secured his first success since the Hong Kong Vase two years ago with a smooth victory in the IAWS Curragh Cup.

Daliapour sports a brand on top of a foreleg from his time in training in Hong Kong but didn't take to life there.He appeared to relish things on Saturday, however, and did not have to be hard pressed to beat Boreas.

It took 4.9 million francs to secure Catcher In The Rye as a yearling and just £5,000 for Con Collins to secure European. But in the opening maiden, the cheap horse came out on top by a short head.

"I didn't think he was fit enough," said Collins, which helped explain the 14 to 1 SP but rider Pat Shanahan added: "I liked the way he put his head down and battled."

A listed race at Maisons-Laffitte in a fortnight is the target for Nashwan Rose, who made up for a poor Italian Oaks effort with a smooth win in the 10-furlong handicap.