CURRAGH 16:20

Non Runners: ALONG CAME CASEY (IRE), MARVELLOUS (IRE).

Time: 2m 5.58s Closing Sectional: (3f): 34.5s (109.2%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 116%, Betfair SP 101.2%

A smart and well contested renewal of this Group 1 for fillies and mares, even without the Irish 1000 Guineas winner Marvellous who was withdrawn due to being in season, 2 of these already successful in similar contests while another pair had finished second at this level; the fact that this quartet that came to the fore gives the form a solid look, but an ordinary early pace meant the emphasis was more on speed than stamina; British-trained runners have now won 4 of the last 6 runnings of this race.

THISTLE BIRD looks better than ever, fully justifying connections decision to keep her in training at 6 by gaining a first win at the top level, proving that this trip is well within range after all; tracked pace, travelled well, quickened to lead 1f out, kept going well; was only just touched off in the Nassau last year and that looks an obvious next target.

VENUS DE MILO (IRE) back down in trip, ran at least as well as last time, is proving consistent; chased leader, went on entering straight, headed over 1f out, kept on; a likeable type, she has now finished runner-up 3 times in Group 1s and will continue to give a good account at this level.

JUST THE JUDGE (IRE) hasn't won since last year's Irish 1000 Guineas, but this confirms that she is back on track, shaping similarly to last time, running on well from further back than the pair that beat her, and has more options with regards to trip now; mid-field, pushed along over 2f out, kept on, nearest at the finish, conceded first run; finished a bit further behind Thistle Bird than at Epsom but may well have another crack at that one in the Nassau.

AMBIVALENT (IRE) who played up beforehand (not ponied to start this time), found run of good form coming to a halt; made running, travelled powerfully, headed early in straight, one paced; is better than this and worth another chance to confirm that.

PEACE BURG (FR) ran respectably at this 2f longer trip; mid-field, headway under pressure early in straight, one paced; will remain vulnerable at this level.

PEARL OF AFRICA (IRE) had a bit to find on form and wasn't good enough up in grade, the longer trip just a side issue on the day; held up, kept on, never landed a blow.

AVENUE GABRIEL ran no sort of race at this 2f longer trip, never looked happy (changed legs a few times) and may have been amiss, run best ignored; dropped out, struggling over 3f out, never involved.

HARASIYA (IRE) run best ignored; chased leaders, effort over 2f out, folded tamely; was subsequently reported to have lost her action.