CURRAGH 15:35 2m2k1i

All 14 ran.

Time: 1m 36.52s Closing Sectional: (3f): 34.85s (103.9%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 125%, Betfair SP 99.5%

A fascinating renewal of the first Irish classic of the year, billed by many as a match between the Newmarket 2000 Guineas winner, Magna Grecia, and last year's leading juvenile, Too Darn Hot, but it didn't pan out that way, the former failing to meet expectations and Too Darn Hot unable to lay a glove on the returning Phoenix of Spain who made just about all; there was a sense that an upset could be in the offing right from the start with none of the Ballydoyle contingent able to get to the front, the pace taking a while to pick up as a result, but it was still a true test at the trip, the winner gradually winding things up.

PHOENIX OF SPAIN (IRE) beaten by both Too Darn Hot and Magna Grecia last backend, produced a high-class performance on his belated return to action (forced to miss both the Newmarket 2000 Guineas and the Poule d'Essai des Poulains due to a minor setback), enjoying the run of the race to some extent but no doubting his superiority, strong to the line and well on top at the finish; disputed lead, went on over 3f out, quickened clear over 1f out, kept on well; the sky's the limit for him on this evidence, likely to be very hard to beat in the St James's Palace next time, while previous comments about trip (likely to stay 1¼m) still apply.

TOO DARN HOT a surprise addition to this field, ran creditably on the back of a less-than-ideal preparation, this possibly coming a bit too soon on the back of a hard race in the Dante just 9 days ago, no sign of his trademark turn of foot when push came to shove; mid-division, typically travelled well, challenged over 2f out, not quicken final 1f; yet to prove he is quite as good as last year and will need to get back to at least that sort of level if he is to turn the tables on Phoenix of Spain in the St James's Palace.

DECRYPT upped markedly in grade, showed much improved form to emerge as the best of the home contingent, and has more options with regards trip now; mid-field, travelled better than most, kept on, took third late on, kept on; would come as no surprise to see him sporting different colours next time.

SKARDU ran at least as well as at Newmarket, things panning out rather better for him here and essentially having no excuses; raced along inside, chased leaders, effort 2f out, no extra final 1f and run out of third near the line.

MAGNA GRECIA (IRE) had the advantage of a good draw at Newmarket but simply wasn't in the same form here, beaten too far out for this to be his true running, entirely possible that something will come to light to explain this performance; tracked pace, pushed along over 3f out, faded; isn't the easiest to assess at present but the picture is likely to be much clearer after Ascot.

I AM SUPERMAN (IRE) back up in trip, ran about as well as could have been expected upped in grade; held up, settled better than usual (wore earplugs), pushed along 3f out, kept on, never landed a blow.

VAN BEETHOVEN (CAN) the only one of these to have contested the French equivalent, ran well on form but never looked like winning; raced wide, held up, kept on, never dangerous.

MOHAWK (IRE) runner up in a recognised Derby trial on reappearance, was inconvenienced by the drop in trip; mid-division, driven halfway, no extra.

OLD GLORY (IRE) who needed to find plenty of improvement, ran creditably in bare form after 7 months off; never better than mid-field; is clearly a stable lesser light and next run should give a better indication as to where he will fit in.

GUARANTEED (IRE) back down in trip, fared no better than last time, yet to prove that he has trained on; tracked pace, beaten over 2f out.

SHELIR (IRE) back up in trip, proved a let-down; mid-division, ridden over 3f out, dropped away; had I Am Superman well behind in the Tetrarch and is worth another chance.

EMARAATY ANA fared little better than last time and will presumably revert to sprinting after this; disputed lead until 3f out, folded tamely.

GLOBE THEATRE (USA) in first-time tongue strap, was presumably in the field as a pacemaker but wasn't up to the task, struggling from an any early stage after meeting some trouble at the start.

HILLWALKER in first-time tongue strap after 11 months off, went with no encouragement; mid-division, beaten halfway, eased off.