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George Boughey assures it’s ‘all systems go’ for Via Sistina as she bids to break his trainer’s Irish duck in the Yulong Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh.
The Newmarket-based handler instantly had this race in mind following an impressive six-length romp in the Group 2 Dahlia Stakes on the Rowley Mile in early May.
Although confidence is clearly high around the camp, a George Boughey rain dance certainly isn't out of the equation as the 27-year-old admits any further rain would enhance her chances.
Boughey said: "She goes there in very good form; the rain overnight will help and any more will certainly help her chance again.
"I've never seen her look so well and she's been training super, so it's all systems go as long we get a little bit more rain.
"She's gone very well since she won at Newmarket. It's been a dry spring and a dry early summer, but she'll be busy whenever she gets her preferred ground, and it looks like she might get it this weekend.
"She's travelled over good and she's ready to rock and roll. It's been the plan for a while, and we look forward to taking them on."
Joseph O'Brien has somewhat dominated the Pretty Polly in recent years with Iridessa successful in 2019 and Thundering Nights coming home best to land the spoils in 2021.
The Owning Hill-based trainer is doubly represented this year with recent Group 2 Prix Corrida winner Above The Curve looking the pick over Goldana, who tackles this stiffer stamina test having kept on for fourth in the Lanwades Stud Stakes last month.
"We are looking forward to running them. They are both in good shape," said Joseph O'Brien.
"Above The Curve won nicely in France last time and this race will suit her well.
"Goldana shaped the last day as though she will enjoy the extra couple of furlongs. Any rain that falls will be a help to her. She stayed on well last time."
The Jospeph O'Brien-trained Above The Curve currently edges favouritism as a general 2/1 shot with George Boughey's Via Sistina available at 9/4.