CURRAGH 15:40 4n2j71

All 8 ran.

Time: 2m 8.72s Closing Sectional: (3f): 35.4s (109.1%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 113%, Betfair SP 99.5%

A gallop that wasn't particularly taxing failed to prevent the class coming to the fore, the winner deservedly graduating to Group-1 winner following her improved efforts this season, her relative speed and experience quite possibly the difference on the day, though the runner-up was out in time if good enough.

THUNDERING NIGHTS (IRE) gained reward for a pair of really good efforts previously this year with this Group 1 prize, a trip to New York and back clearly not having taken anything out of her, moving through the race that bit more smoothly than Santa Barbara and getting the jump on that one at a key stage; mid-division, smooth headway under 3f out, quickened to lead over 1f out, edged left, tackled final 100 yds, held on gamely.

SANTA BARBARA (IRE) got back on the up tried over 1¼m, and this should help to aid her development further, still looking rough around the edges, certainly compared to the winner to whom she conceded first run around 2f out after they'd raced in very similar positions, challenging strongly in the final 100 yds but unable to get past; the early signs are looking pretty positive for the Oaks form.

CAYENNE PEPPER (IRE) was sent off favourite but, while running a lot better than on her return, had no excuses, simply unable to pick up as well as the first pair; tracked pace, effort under 3f out, carried right under 2f out, kept on.

INSINUENDO (IRE) ran at least as well as when beating Thunder Kiss in the Blue Wind 8 weeks earlier, while she left the impression that this didn't get to the bottom of her, either; held up, effort when edged right under 2f out, stayed on last ½f, took fourth from stablemate on line; open to further improvement.

EPONA PLAYS (IRE) ran creditably without quite being up to this level, again seen to pretty good effect from the front, too; soon led, headed over 1f out, no extra only late on (lost fourth to stablemate on the line).

SHALE (IRE) shaped as if back in form over 2f longer trip, not getting the rub of the green at all; handy, not clear run from 2f out, met some trouble again inside final 1f, not unduly punished (eased near line).

SILENCE PLEASE (IRE) is better judged on previous form, the drop back to 1¼m in a race not run at an end-to-end gallop not her thing, and she could never land a blow having been held up in first-time cheekpieces.

OODNADATTA (IRE) after 8 months off and over 2f longer trip, was given a fairly considerate reappearance, and although not getting out of last, ran at least as well in form as at 2 yrs, the potential there for her to do a bit better this year; in rear, effort only 2f out, edged right, never on .