CURRAGH 15:50 3p3439

Non Runners: MOST BEAUTIFUL.

Time: 1m 11.88s Closing Sectional: (3f): 33.9s (106%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 120%, Betfair SP 99.7%

An above-average renewal of the Phoenix Stakes, Air Force Blue reversing form with Buratino from the Coventry Stakes, putting up the best performance in this race since Mastercraftsman in 2008, producing a striking turn-of-foot to put the contest to bed very quickly, providing his trainer Aidan O'Brien with a remarkable fourteenth success in this Group 1 in the process; unusually for races over this trip the stalls were placed in the centre of the course and despite the presence of Sixth Sense primarily as a pacemaker they didn't go hard in front.

AIR FORCE BLUE (USA) had found Buratino too strong in the Coventry Stakes, but that was just his second start (Buratino's sixth), and having been allowed 8 weeks off to develop and strengthen, he improved past that rival, this marking him down as one of the best juveniles around; patiently ridden, travelled smoothly under restraint, quickening smartly when shaken up, drifting right as he struck the front 1f out before seeing his race out thoroughly, firmly on top come the line; he clearly has plenty of speed, but with his sister having won over 9f in America his prospects of staying further look bright, his position at the head of the market for next year’s 2000 Guineas fully justified at this stage, only Shalaa – who looks set to be campaigned as a sprinter – having achieved more among this season’s European-trained 2-y-os, a potential match between the pair as this season progresses (the Prix Morny mentioned as a possible target for both) something to savour.

WASHINGTON DC (IRE) successful in the Windsor Castle Stakes last time out, he progressed again, running a fine race upped to 6f to chase home his stablemate, coming from off the pace to challenge on the opposite flank, holding every chance 1f out but unable to match him thereafter; in contrast to Air Force Blue, he appeals as the type who will prove best as a sprinter, one who has the capabilities to rate higher still.

BURATINO (IRE) so impressive when running away with the Coventry (Air Force Blue back in second), was strong in the betting to add this Group 1 prize to his collection, but ran just respectably, the winner improving past that Coventry standard anyway; settled in touch, made he made headway and was upsides 1f out, but the finishing burst that was a feature of his Royal Ascot success was missing, edging left as he kept on at the one pace.

PAINTED CLIFFS (IRE) confirmed placings from the Railway with runner-up Rockaway Valley, though neither were good enough on the day, Painted Cliffs lacking a change of gear under pressure, seemingly second tier amongst his stable's juveniles (third choice here based on jockey bookings - pecking order borne out in event); prominent, effort approaching 2f out, not quicken.

ROCKAWAY VALLEY (IRE) ran to a similar level as in the Railway, it unlikely that he is a true Group-1 performer, though he does look worth a try at 7f, that a possible avenue for improvement; pressed leader, edged ahead 2f out, headed 1f out, one paced.

ZEBSTAR (IRE) debut victory (over 5f) has worked out well, but this represented a massive jump in class after 3 months off and he was by no means disgraced, though one strongly suspects he will need his sights lowering to get back in the winner's enclosure; slowly into stride, in rear, shaken up under 2f out, never on .

SIXTH SENSE (IRE) was essentially in to ensure a sound gallop for stablemate Buratino, lacking the requisite speed or class when it came to the crunch, a return to further/lesser company what is required; led, headed 2f out, held when short of room final 1f.