Chorist Nips Alexander Goldrun in Pretty Polly

English invader Chorist held off favored Alexander Goldrun by a half-length for a front-running victory in Saturday's Audi Pretty Polly Stakes (Ire-I) for fillies and mares at The Curragh.

Ridden by Darryll Holland in a game effort, The Cheveley Park Stud homebred 5-year-old daughter of Pivotal came under heavy pressure from Alexander Goldrun and Kevin Manning on her outside. In the final 150 yards, Alexander Goldrun had every opportunity to get by the winner, but Chorist had had enough in reserve to repel the favorite and pull away at the end. The final time for the 1 1/4-mile Pretty Polly was 2:02.8 on a good course.

Ivowen was third, six lengths behind the runner-up, followed by American-bred Soldera, Livadiva and Hanamil.

The English-bred Chorist, the 7-4 second choice trained by William Haggas, assumed the lead after a furlong and led at every post as Ivowen, Soldera and Alexander Goldrun stalked.

Holland and Haggas both enjoyed their first group I victories in Ireland.