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Review CURRAGH 16-JUL-2000

John Murtagh's dream season continued when Petrushka landed the Kildangan Stud Irish Oaks in great style, beating well-backed favourite Melikah by an easy 5 1/2L.

The Unfuwain filly struck the front inside the final 1/4m, and stretched clear to provide the Meathman with his third win in four years in the classic.

'Nothing went right for her at Epsom. The Yorkshire Oaks is an obvious next race, although I will have to think about her autumn campaign,' said Sir Michael Stoute, who has now won the race six times.

Pan Jammer reversed previous Leopardstown placings with Pirate Of Penzance when staying on strongly from the furlong pole for a 2L win in the Anglesey Stakes.

'He was a bit unlucky in running at Royal Ascot, and may go next for the Gimcrack at York,' said Mick Channon.

Local trainer Frank Ennis enjoyed his most valuable win todate when Inourhearts showed tremendous speed to take the 5f Rockingham Handicap.

'The light weight helped her to last home, and I will probably bring her to England next time,' said Ennis.

John Oxx's run of success in 'Derby' races this year continued when Tarwila edged out stablemate Potentille by a neck in the Ladies Derby.

The Aga Khan owned filly provided Sarah Pickford, from Stratford-On-Avon and on her third year with the Currabeg stable, with her first winner.

Derivative (7/1-10/1) stayed on gamely to head fellow newcomer Echo Canyon inside the final 100 yards for a 3/4L success in the 7f maiden.

'He is a good tough horse, and will go next for a Group race,' said trainer Jim Bolger.

Crystal Springs (Paul Scallan) made all for a facile 10L win from Goldenhalo in the 2m handicap, providing 3 lucky jackpot punters with a dividend of #5,910 each.

On what proved a good day for bookmakers, Shibl (6/1-5/1) headed McDab over a furlong out to take the Minstrel Stakes by 2L.

Last year's 2,000 Guineas winner Saffron Walden (2/1-5/2) was driven along by Seamus Heffernan entering the straight but could only keep on at one pace another 2L back in third.