CURRAGH 18:40 432f2v

All 11 ran.

Time: 1m 38.49s Closing Sectional: (3f): 35.4s (104.3%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 113%, Betfair SP 100.1%

An unusual renewal of Ireland's first classic of the year for a number of reasons, the race taking place around 3 weeks later than normal and behind closed doors due to the enforced lockdown, no overseas challengers and none of the runners having had a prep run; the race itself was a rather messy affair, the field never getting strung out despite what seemed a fair pace and almost everything meeting trouble at some point, including Siskin who it would be hard to argue wasn't the best horse on the day in any case; it was a red-letter day for Ger Lyons and Colin Keane, both of whom were recording an overdue first classic success.

SISKIN (USA) unbeaten in 4 starts as a juvenile, including the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes at this track on his most recent start in August (withdrawn having reared over in the stalls before the Middle Park), dispelled any doubts about the suitability of this trip whilst confirming his potent turn of foot remains intact, impressing with how quickly he put the race to bed once getting into the clear; mid-division, travelled well, going well when short of room over 1f out, forced to switch, quickened to lead well inside final 1f, driven out; borderline very smart now, there is better to come from him at this trip and he'll reportedly take on his elders in the Sussex Stakes next.

VATICAN CITY (IRE) one of the least exposed in the field, took the massive step up in class in his stride and would have given the winner even more to think about had the gaps arrived when he wanted them; chased leaders, headway when denied a run from 2f out, got gap final 1f, kept on well to take second close home; a full-brother to the 2015 winner of this race, Gleneagles, he is likely to stay 1¼m and will go on improving, certainly one to be interested in wherever he goes next.

LOPE Y FERNANDEZ (IRE) a Group 3 winner at 6f last year, showed much improved form despite leaving the impression that this trip stretched him, briefly looking the likeliest winner when sweeping to the front over 1f out but just clinging on for a place in the end; raced wide, held up, travelled well, quickened to lead approaching final 1f, hung right, faded final 100 yds; in a normal year the Jersey Stakes would look the obvious next step but it may well come too soon this time around.

ARMORY (IRE) the shortest priced of the Ballydoyle sextet, ran right up to the pick of his juvenile form even though he wasn't seen to best effect the way things panned out, not possessing the change of gear necessary to get himself out of trouble over 1f out but finishing off well, a step up in trip sure to show him in an even better light; mid-division, ridden when short of room from 3f out, bumped 1f out, kept on well, never nearer; sure to be of interest in whichever Derby he turns up in.

FISCAL RULES (IRE) runner-up to Wichita on his sole start last year, justified connections decision to fast-track him to the top table, though he did enjoy a clearer age than most; held up, came wide over 2f out, avoided trouble, kept on, nearest at the finish; sure to progress and win races.

SINAWANN (IRE) after 9 months off, ran well in bare form but ended up getting beaten a bit further than seemed likely for most of the contest; chased leaders, every chance from 2f out, disputed lead briefly, held when carried right final 1f, faded.

MONARCH OF EGYPT (USA) runner-up to Siskin on both occasions they met last year, is better than could show here and has more option with regards trip now; waited with, headway when denied a run over 1f out, forced to switch, ran on late, never nearer.

ROYAL LYTHAM (FR) in first-time blinkers after 10 months off, shaped as if retaining ability; prominent, edged ahead briefly 2f out, looked held when hampered final 1f, no extra; should stay 1m.

FORT MYERS (USA) one of the most exposed, was essentially used as a pacemaker on his first start for 7 months; broke fast, made running, headed 2f out, weakening when badly hampered around 1f out, not recover.

REBEL TALE (USA) after 9 months off, wasn't up to this better company; raced wide, mid-division, effort 2f out, held when hampered soon after.

FREE SOLO (IRE) after 11 months off, can have a line put through this run (reportedly choked); chased leaders, took keen hold, ridden when no room 2f out, not persevered with once held.