CURRAGH 17:20 1m1c26

All 9 ran.

Time: 2m 38.05s Closing Sectional: (3f): 34.8s (113.5%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 121%, Betfair SP 99.6%

Despite the best efforts of The Curragh, including a significant increase in prize money, the latest edition of the Irish Derby lacked strength in depth, Harzand and Idaho standing out on form and duly dominating, the first named not needing to match his Epsom form to become the third in 5 years to complete the Derby double; the pacemaker, Ebediyin, was ignored in a clear lead which meant the overall pace was just an ordinary one, the emphasis more on speed than stamina, the winner better placed than most the way things panned out, but there were no hard-luck stories; Harzand's victory means all 3 of the Irish classics to be run this year have been won by Curragh-based trainers.

HARZAND (IRE) strong in the betting after his participation had been in some doubt earlier in the week, didn't need to improve to confirm superiority over Idaho, his battling qualities again on show, pulling out a bit extra when required in the final 1f, as at Epsom strong at the finish; chased leaders, travelled fluently, led on bridle entering straight, tackled over, edged left, stuck to task; stiffer tasks lie ahead, the Arc - a race won by his sire Sea The Stars - reportedly his main target, but there is every chance that we have yet to see the best of him.

IDAHO (IRE) who typically sweated up beforehand, again ran well, a more conservative ride enabling him to get closer to Harzand than he had previously, but had no excuses, the winner ultimately seeing things out that bit better; mid-division, pushed along early in straight, upsides entering final 1f, outstayed; it is surely only a matter of time before he adds to his solitary win, no surprise if he were to follow a similar programme to his full-brother Highland Reel who went on to win the Secretariat Stakes and Hong Kong Vase after getting beaten in this race last year.

STELLAR MASS (IRE) successful in a handicap off a mark of 92 just 7 days ago, seemed to excel himself upped markedly in grade, his proximity doing little for the overall value of the form; held up, headway entering straight, stayed on, no match for principals; remains to be seen if able to back this up.

RED VERDON (USA) supplemented as he had been at Epsom, took another step forward, without suggesting there is much more to come, never a threat to the principals; held up, forced wide early in straight, stayed on, never nearer.

PORT DOUGLAS (IRE) in a change of headgear, was relieved of pacemaking duties and ran better than last time, simply not up to this level; broke well, chased leader, led briefly entering straight, no extra final 1f.

MOONLIGHT MAGIC again proved disappointing, though has yet to prove he stays this far; dropped out, ridden entering straight, kept on, never landed a blow; will benefit from return to 1¼m.

SHOGUN (IRE) again finished well held, beaten before lack of stamina became an issue; never better than mid-field.

CLAUDIO MONTEVERDI (IRE) in first-time cheekpieces, wasn't up to this better company; dropped out, never involved.

EBEDIYIN (IRE) can have this run overlooked, acted as pacemaker; raced clear, collared home turn, stopped quickly; has had 2 hard runs in just over a week and wouldn't want turning out again quickly.