Ambivalent and Johnny Murtagh sees them all off in the Group 1 Pretty Polly at the Curragh© Photo Healy Racing
Roger Varian had been no more than hopeful for Ambivalent in advance of the Group 1 Oxigen Environmental Pretty Polly Stakes, saying: "She won't disgrace herself as she's quite talented. I think the trip and track will be in her favour. She has claims of a placing and we'd obviously be delighted if she could make the frame in a Group 1."
With man of the moment aboard, Johnny Murtagh, Ambivalent delighted Varian and no doubt her owner, Ali Saeed, with a 10/1 win in the fillies and mares highlight, making virtually all. Harasiya threw down a strong challenge at the two furlong pole but inside the last Ambivalent stayed on well to keep favourite, Was and Shirocco Star at bay by half a length and a neck. The aforementioned Harasiya was another half a length back in fourth whilst Was' stable companion, Say was a head back in fifth.
Varian commented: "That was great – amazing.
"That was the plan – we'd held her up in the past. She ran very well in the Middleton but they didn't go very quick there.
"We held her up again at Haydock and they didn't go quick there either and she was keen.
"I said to Johnny beforehand that she stays well.
"I said to him that we'd nothing to lose by sending her forward and being positive.
"I was sure she'd keep going as she's very tough.
"That's my first Group One winner in Ireland (his third in all) and I love coming here.
"It was a brilliant ride – very good.
"She's got her quirks – she's not straight-forward. The lads did a brilliant job today to make sure that she didn't go over the top.
"In Haydock she lost her race before the start. We'll enjoy today and make a plan after that."
Of course favourite this morning, Alive Alive Oh missed her engagement owing to her being in season. (GC & EM)
