CURRAGH 16:40

Non Runners: BARRINGTON COURT (IRE).

Time: 3m 2.05s Closing Sectional: (3f): 39.4s (99%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 116%, Betfair SP 101.2%

One of the stronger recent renewals of the Irish St. Leger with a trio of very smart performers - and 3 of the top 4 on Timeform adjusted ratings - filling the places, the underperformance of back-to-back winner Search For A Song the only slight on the form; one of the Ballydoyle contingent was largely ignored as he built up a clear lead, though stamina was still tested the way it went, that those who were held up struggled to land a blow more telling of the range of abilities on show rather than any significant positional bias.

SONNYBOYLISTON (IRE) who produced the highest winning Timeform rating of any Ebor winner this century, proved at least as good in making a successful step up to Group 1 company, going one better than 2020 Ebor winner Fujaira Prince managed in this race last year, and doing so in grand style, left with around 3 lengths to make up on the runner-up as they turned into the straight but finding plenty to not only catch and pass that rival, but hold off a rally, too, running to a rating bettered only by Order of St George in the last 7 runnings of this; mid-division, travelled well, headway over 2f out, led approaching final 1f, kept going well; a tilt at the Melbourne Cup is reportedly under consideration, and he looks to have all that is required to go well there providing he handles the ground.

TWILIGHT PAYMENT (IRE) who won the trial for this last time, ran right up to his Melbourne Cup-winning best, giving his all against a younger, more progressive, rival and ceding only late on, looking in exactly the right place for a trip back to Australia to defend his crown; chased leader, travelled smoothly, led over 2f out, headed approaching final 1f, no extra only late on.

BARON SAMEDI was left with a bit too much to do in comparison to the pair that beat him, and ran creditably after 10 weeks off, closing on the first 2 come the line, and pulling a little clear of the rest, likely to go to Ascot next month with a live chance; mid-division, headway 2f out, kept on final 1f, never a threat.

KING OF THE CASTLE (IRE) made up plenty of ground when the ship had alreay sailed but he was easily best of those held up, and is worth crediting with a much improved effort, shaping like one who'll make up into a strong 'cup' horse next year; waited with, kept on from 2f out, never on terms.

EMPEROR OF THE SUN (IRE) wasn't disgraced but doesn't do anything quickly, caught flat footed as the prinicpals began to make their move, headgear well worth a try; prominent main group, pushed along 4f out, lost place over 3f out, rallied briefly 2f out, one paced.

SEARCH FOR A SONG (IRE) the winner of the last 2 renewals, hasn't had the same level of preparation this time around, and essentially shaped as if needing the run after 4 months off; mid-division, headway over 2f out, faded final 1f.

CARLISLE BAY (IRE) after 4 months off, got back on track to some extent but he needs his sights lowering for now; held up, ridden over 3f out, plugged on final 1f, never on terms.

AIRCRAFT CARRIER (IRE) ran as well as could be expected in this grade; held up, labouring 4f out, merely passed beaten horses.

SEATTLE CREEK after 4 months off, found this much too competitive on just his second start; in rear, pushed along over 4f out, beaten when hung right 2f out.

BARBADOS (IRE) didn't have much chance from his position but was out of his depth in any case; waited with, made no impression.

AMHRAN NA BHFIANN (IRE) has been pretty disappointing this season, a Curragh Cup win aside, and went off much too hard to have any chance of lasting home; raced clear, closed down 3f out, headed over 2f out, soon beaten.

PASSION (IRE) after 11 weeks off, was the choice of Moore despite having a bit to find but went backwards from her reappearance; mid-division, weakened 2f out.

MASTER OF REALITY (IRE) after 8 weeks off, followed a good run with a below-par one, very much the story of his season; prominent main group, ridden 3f out, folded 2f out.