CURRAGH 15:35 6x71u

All 8 ran.

Time: 1m 11.72s Closing Sectional: (3f): 33.9s (105.8%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 117%, Betfair SP 100.5%

A smart renewal of the first Group 1 2-y-o contest of the year in Ireland, and the form has a very solid look to it, the first 3 home all already successful in pattern races this year, Sioux Nation just holding off his main market rival to maintain Aidan O'Brien's stranglehold on this race, this the sixteenth time he has won it since 1998; U S Navy Flag took them along at a sound pace and there were no hard-luck stories.

SIOUX NATION (USA) much stronger in the market than he had been at Ascot (form that looks better now than it did at the time), is getting better with racing, perhaps as a consequence of him beginning to fill his considerable frame, up there with the very best 2-y-os seen out this year on this evidence; mid-division, travelled well, quickened to lead 1f out, just held on; has plenty of options now, the Middle Park an obvious target, but where he goes next will reportedly be determined by the ground, connections not keen to risk him on a soft surface again.

BECKFORD lost nothing in defeat, just unable to reel in one with a superior turn of foot, ready for a step up to 7f now; tracked pace, pushed along under 2f out, finished well; the National Stakes appeals as an obvious target.

ACTRESS (IRE) backed up her Anglesey win with another decidedly useful effort, well positioned the way things went but again doing little wrong; prominent, carried head bit awkwardly, every chance 1f out, kept on, well positioned; the Moyglare is reportedly under consideration but her yard have plenty of other candidates for that.

U S NAVY FLAG (USA) ran well on form, although is starting to look exposed by now, at this sort of trip at least; made running, headed over 1f out, no extra.

FROZEN ANGEL (IRE) just touched off in what looked a sub-par Prix Robert Papin last time, had no problem with 1f longer trip, seems consistent rather than progressive; held up, took strong hold, pushed along 2f out, not quicken, merely closed up late.

ROMANISED (IRE) ran to a similar level to last time, but looked like playing more a part for a lot of the way, his finishing effort leaving a bit to be desired; patiently ridden, headway over 1f out, effort flattened out.

DECLARATIONOFPEACE (USA) took a step back in the right direction after a dismal effort at Ascot, but never carried any sort of win threat; held up, ridden 2f out, one paced, never landed a blow.

HELVETIAN was taking a huge jump up in grade and wasn't up to it; tracked pace, driven 2f out, faded; clearly held in high regard, he is well worth another chance.