CURRAGH 15:55 1p3l1v

All 9 ran.

Time: 1m 43.38s Closing Sectional: (3f): 37.3s (103.9%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 120%, Betfair SP 99.4%

A below-par renewal of this Group 2, the first 2 in those positions throughout and little more than 1½ lengths between the first 6 at the line, Port Douglas's victory meaning that Aidan O'Brien has now won 15 of the last 20 runnings; few managed to land a significant blow despite a sound pace.

PORT DOUGLAS (IRE) back up in trip and in first-time blinkers after 8 weeks off, showed improved form to resume winning ways, springing something of a surprise in the process; forced pace, tackled early in straight, headed briefly 1f out, battled well; has a few ahead of him in the Ballydoyle pecking order, but further improvement may well be forthcoming, particularly as his stamina is drawn out, bred to stay 1½m.

TRUE SOLITAIRE (IRE) ran at least as well as last time, but had no excuses, seems consistent rather than progressive at this stage; close up, challenged 2f out, edged ahead briefly 1f out, outbattled; will remain competitive away from the top level.

BEACON ROCK (IRE) emerges with plenty of credit, the one to take out of the race in fact, that despite first-time cheekpieces not really having the desired effect, shaping similarly to last time, this trip clearly a bare minimum for him; raced well off the pace, still plenty to do early in straight, ridden over 2f out, best work finish, never nearer, did best of those held up; remains with potential.

STELLAR MASS (IRE) in first-time cheekpieces, ran as well as could be expected up in grade; mid-division, stumbled soon after start, ridden early in straight, wandered, kept on; well capable of winning a maiden on this evidence.

AMPLE SUFFICIENCY (USA) whose form last time was given a nice boost during the week, ran well, a maiden win likely to be a mere formality if able to reproduce this; held up, forced wide straight, kept going well, never nearer; likely to stay 1¼m.

PLAY THE GAME (IRE) resumed progress, but seems unlikely to prove much better than this, better placed than most the way things went; chased leaders, still third 1f out, no extra.

UNICORN (IRE) in first-time cheekpieces, proved to be a disappointment; mid-division, driven entering straight, heavily eased off, made no impression; worth another chance.

RESTIVE (IRE) was found out in better company, unable to confirm form with a couple that had finished behind him last time; held up, ridden early in straight, eased off, made no impression; will be better off in handicaps.

LEX TALIONIS (IRE) isn't easy to assess, yet to beat a single rival in 3 starts, albeit in the face of very stiff tasks; off the bridle before most, always behind.