CURRAGH 15:40 4n2j71

All 11 ran.

Time: 1m 40.48s Closing Sectional: (3f): 33.9s (111.2%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 121%, Betfair SP 99.9%

Although it contained the second, third and fourth from the Newmarket equivalent, as well as one that was successful at the top level as a juvenile, this was no more than an average running of the first Irish classic of the year, one stepping up from listed company coming out on top as the favourite failed to fire in a race that wasn't truly run, none of those held up able to land a telling blow; Paddington was crediting Aidan O'Brien with his twelfth win in this race and this was the first time he has saddled the 1-2 since Magician beat Gale Force Ten in 2013.

PADDINGTON a most progressive colt, produced a near very smart effort to bring up the hat-trick this season on his first try at this level, ideally positioned the way things developed but well on top at the line; dwelt, soon prominent, shaken up 2f out, produced to lead entering final 1f, edged left briefly, driven clear; open to further improvement, the St James's Palace Stakes - and a potential clash with Chaldean - is the obvious next step, whilst looking further ahead he seems sure to stay 1¼m when the time comes.

CAIRO (IRE) got firmly back on track having seemingly failed to handle the dirt at Meydan last time; chased leaders, driven over 1f out, ran on late; isn't bred to stay much further than this and it will be interesting to see what route connections opt to take with him now.

HI ROYAL (IRE) backed up his Newmarket effort to a large extent, without suggesting there is much more to come, beaten on merit; made running, ridden 2f out, headed when bumped final 1f, no extra.

CHARYN (IRE) who had the option of the Sandy Lane at Haydock, ran much better than he had at Newmarket last time, this trip clearly within range; mid-division, headway over 1f out, kept on.

GALERON (IRE) successful at this track last year, ran at least as well as he had at Newmarket; held up, ridden when forced to switch over 1f out, ran on, never nearer.

QUAR SHAMAR (GER) back on turf, ran about as well as could have been expected upped in grade; tracked pace, effort over 2f out, no extra final 1f.

PROUD AND REGAL (IRE) back down in trip, failed to come on for recent run, a disappointing effort all told; close up, driven 2f out, carried head bit awkwardly, dropped away, had every chance.

ALEXANDER JOHN (IRE) in first-time tongue strap, seemed to excel himself; raced along inside, mid-division, brief headway 2f out, no extra; remains to be seen if able to back this up.

ROYAL SCOTSMAN (IRE) ran poorly for no obvious reason, perhaps not fully recovered from his exertions at Newmarket; mid-division, settled better than last time, switched over 2f out, found little.

AGE OF KINGS (IRE) ran creditably after 10 months off, yet to prove that he is up to pattern company; held up, ridden over 2f out, made no impression.

BOLD DISCOVERY (USA) whose last run is easily excused (reportedly scoped badly), found this too competitive; slowly into stride, always behind.