LEOPARDSTOWN 15:45 5s3v3b

All 7 ran.

Time: 2m 11.64s Closing Sectional: (3f): 39.75s (99.4%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 111%, Betfair SP 102.2%

A strong field went to post for the premier race in the Irish Flat racing calendar, even allowing for the absence of Baaeed, 6 of the 7 with at least one top level victory to their name, and it didn't disappoint, the 3-y-os coming to the fore, the first 2 showing high-class form, though as if often the case in this race things got a bit messy in the straight, Vadeni a shade unlucky; this was a notable victory for Aidan O'Brien who became just the second trainer - after his namesake and predecessor at Ballydoyle, Vincent - to win this race 4 years in a row, and he has now won it 11 times since the turn of the century.

LUXEMBOURG (IRE) had clearly come on plenty for the Royal Whip and, somewhat belatedly, produced the high-class performance his juvenile form had promised, once again showing his battling qualities and strong at the finish, a step up to 1½m unlikely to hold any fears for him; mid-division, headway entering straight, challenged entering final 1f, battled well to get on top near the line; open to further improvement and heads to the Arc now, this race often a good stepping stone to Paris, though it is worth noting that Dylan Thomas back in 2007 is the only one of his trainer's previous winners to complete that particular double.

ONESTO (IRE) produced a big career-best effort back down in trip, getting the better of Vadeni for the first time this year but just unable to hold off the winner; waited with, headway on inner end of back straight, edged ahead briefly final 1f, ran on, just failed; he won't be one to dismiss lightly in the Arc, assuming that is where he goes next.

VADENI (FR) easy to back on course, wasn't seen to best effect, shades of Azamour in 2005 as Soumillon found himself stuck in a pocket early in the straight and forced to deliver his challenge against the far rail, Vadeni unable to fully open up as a result; held up, took strong hold, ridden 2f out, had to weave way through, finished with running left; he'll take plenty of beating in the Champion Stakes at Ascot, providing, of course, that Baaeed heads to Longchamp.

MISHRIFF (IRE) ran to a similar level as he had at York in bare form , though without carrying much of a win threat, connections reportedly blaming the ground - as they had after a sub-par effort in last year's Ascot Champion Stakes; waited with, headway out wide entering straight, effort over 1f out, not quicken.

STONE AGE (IRE) ran about as well as could have been expected in this company, seen to something like maximum effect under an enterprising ride; broke fast, made running, kicked on end of back straight, collared 1f out, no extra.

ALENQUER (FR) was below form for the second successive start, obvious excuses hard to come by on this occasion; chased leaders, pushed along over 2f out, weakening when hampered 1f out, no extra.

BROOME (IRE) having just his second start on home turf since May of last year, is a notch below this level but has possibly gone off the boil; dwelt, tracked pace, ridden over 3f out, weakened early in straight.