Longchamp mission pays off as Above The Curve lands Prix Saint-Alary

Sunday: Prix Saint-Alary, Longchamp

Above The Curve handsomely paid off her connections' decision to skip next week's Cazoo Oaks after she landed a game victory in the Prix Saint-Alary.

The Cheshire Oaks runner-up was rerouted from Epsom by trainer Joseph O’Brien and struck on her first attempt in a top-level race with a determined success under Ryan Moore, with Place Du Carrousel rattling home to take second.

Full result: Above The Curve lands Prix Saint-Alary

"She's a lovely filly who is still learning," Moore said. "A steady pace didn't really suit and she was a bit idle in front, but she was always doing what she had to.

"She's a huge girl and there's still a lot of potential and improvement to come."

Above The Curve's success gave O'Brien more Group 1 glory at Longchamp this month, the trainer having also won the Prix Ganay with State Of Rest.

The young trainer said: "I'm thrilled with her run and I thought Ryan gave her a great ride. I thought the race set up for her pretty well and it was nice to win another Group 1.

"It's very satisfying. Group 1s are so difficult to win and it's very special. We thought this was probably her best opportunity to win one which is why we went there, and I'm delighted for all the owners and for Ryan."

The daughter of American Pharoah was cut to 4-1 (from 7) for the Prix de Diane next month by both Betfair and Paddy Power, while she was also trimmed into 6-1 (from 8) by both firms for the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot.

O'Brien is leaning towards staying at ten furlongs for now with the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh also under consideration.

"The Diane or the Pretty Polly are probably the two most obvious options for her next start," said O'Brien. "We'll see how she comes out of the race and it will be discussed where we go from there."

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