How soft the Curragh ground is at the moment can be gauged by the non-appearance of the Aidan O'Brien trained fillies in the feature but that only leaves the way open for Nicola Bella to open her account in a Group Two race.

Only six have been left in the Independent Pretty Polly Stakes including the English raider Alborada who won the Park Stakes here last season.

Sir Mark Prescott's horses are now firing on all cylinders after a very slow start and Alborada cannot be discounted despite having her first start of the year.

Heed My Warning has Group One place form, Idle Rich is a Listed winner and the Kevin Prendergast trained pair are decent too but despite being runner up in her two races to date, Nicola Bella is preferred.

If she does win it will certainly be a boost to Campo Catino's chance in the Derby as she ran him to a short head at Leopardstown on the start of the month despite wandering in the closing stages. That followed up another short head defeat at Fairyhouse and after those two efforts, Nicola Bella, who is expected to act on the ground, should be experienced enough to make it third time lucky.

Dermot Weld trains Idle Rich but while she may not be quite up to winning, the Curragh trainer could make the short walk home with a brace of winners.

Free To Speak was a disappointing sixth to his stable companion Sense Of Honour in a Listed race at Leopardstown but if back to his best must have a good chance in the last while Alexis looks an interesting newcomer in the Japanese Garden Maiden.

Hasanat, a winner over the course and distance last month, can follow up in the Summer Fillies Handicap for Kevin Prendergast.