LEOPARDSTOWN 15:35

All 8 ran.

Time: 2m 7.74s Closing Sectional: (3f): 36.95s (103.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 119%, Betfair SP 101.6%

Often one of the key Derby trials and though it's fair to say this year's renewal failed to reveal a future star, the steadily-run nature of the race made it hard to, not form to rate too highly as a result, especially with the pacemaker finishing so close; nonetheless it saw a good winner in Moonlight Magic, while the Ballydoyle trio who chased him home have already shown smart form.

MOONLIGHT MAGIC proved his return on heavy ground was merely a blip, and with his yard also back in the winners, resumed progress and reinforced himself as a smart prospect in the process, for all he got first run on a most of these in a tactical affair; mid-field, ridden approaching straight, produced to lead inside final 1f, kept going well; remains with potential, he'll stay 1½m and would be worth his place in either the Derby or Irish equivalent (current odds of around 14/1 for the Epsom feature probably a fair reflection of his chance).

SHOGUN (IRE) was rather surprisingly the choice of Ryan Moore, for all he was expected to improve for the 2f longer trip, and though did best of the Ballydoyle trio, only ran to a similar level as on return, conceding first run to the winner but having every chance all told; mid-division, ridden approaching straight, kept on well last ½f, nearest at the finish.

IDAHO (IRE) set the standard on his Ballysax effort and was expected to be suited by the return to firmer ground, though was quite surprisingly second choice on bookings and wasn't seen to best effect in any case, left poorly placed in a muddling affair, certainly leaving the impression we've yet to see his true colours; held up, ridden out wide approaching straight, stayed on close home, never nearer; remains with potential.

BEACON ROCK (IRE) stepped up on reappearance run, though was seen to good effect, better placed than most in a muddling contest; in touch, ridden approaching straight, led 2f out, headed inside final 1f, one paced; his Autumn Stakes second is a standout at present, though it is form which is working out particularly well, not one to write off just yet as a result.

SAAFARR seemed to be acting as a pacemaker, though set just a steady tempo and in turn exceeded expectations up in grade, his proximity certainly holding the form down; led, headed 2f out, plugged on, had the run of the race.

LIEUTENANT GENERAL (IRE) up in grade, ran as well as could be expected, especially after being left poorly placed; in rear, shaken up early in straight, made no impression.

TIRMIZI (FR) upped 2f in trip, failed to build on debut promise upped in grade, though was entitled to need this after 7 months off; mid-division, ridden 3f out, weakened from 2f out; remains with potential.

VENTURA STORM (IRE) had won the Feilden Stakes at Newmarket on return, though the form of that 4-runner event hasn't worked out initially and he proved to be a disappointment here; soon steadied, off the bridle before most, never on terms.