7f | 2yo Fillies | Good

A small but intriguing field of six goes to post for the Silver Flash Stakes, a race won in recent years by the likes of Never Ending Story, Ylang Ylang, Bedtime Story and Composing. This year’s renewal revolves around Alpha, whose dominant Curragh maiden victory sets a clear standard.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained daughter of Sea The Stars and outstanding racemare Alpha Centauri looked a filly of considerable potential when making virtually all and drawing six lengths clear over 7f at the Curragh. That performance marked a significant step forward from her debut at Leopardstown, where she recovered from a slow start to finish a closing second behind Blonde Over Blue. The visual impression of both runs suggests she possesses both tactical speed and the ability to see out her races strongly, and normal improvement would make her difficult to beat.

Joseph O’Brien fields two runners, headed by Dancing Destiny, who already boasts Listed-winning form. She has progressed steadily through four starts, culminating in a determined success over a mile at Naas. That victory confirmed her as a genuine Pattern performer, although dropping back to 7f in what could be a tactical race may place greater emphasis on acceleration than stamina. She sets the strongest proven standard behind the favourite.

Stablemate Blonde Over Blue won the Leopardstown maiden in which Alpha finished second, travelling prominently before asserting inside the final furlong. While that form initially favoured her, Alpha has since advertised her superiority with an emphatic Curragh success. Blonde Over Blue remains open to significant improvement on only her second career start and rates the most likely challenger if taking another step forward.

Aidan O’Brien’s Nevermindtherain has yet to win but has improved with each outing. Her third in a Leopardstown maiden was a clear career best after making much of the running, and first-time cheekpieces may help unlock a little more. Even so, she needs another sizeable leap to match the principals.

Robson De Aguiar saddles two outsiders. Tosca No Candis has shown gradual progress in two starts, including a respectable fifth in Listed company at Naas, but her form leaves her with plenty to find. Stable companion Cedrela is the wildcard on her racecourse debut. She has missed earlier engagements after minor setbacks, but the booking of Colin Keane is eye-catching. Even so, debutantes rarely win races of this nature without exceptional home reputations.

This looks an ordinary rather than vintage renewal of the Silver Flash, but it could introduce another smart Ballydoyle filly. Alpha has already produced the strongest individual performance in the field and, with the likelihood of further improvement, she sets a clear standard.

Predicted finishing order

1. Alpha
2. Dancing Destiny
3. Blonde Over Blue
4. Nevermindtherain
5. Cedrela
6. Tosca No Candis

Private performance projection

– Alpha: 108–110
– Dancing Destiny: 100–102
– Blonde Over Blue: 99–100
– Nevermindtherain: 91–93
– Tosca No Candis: 89–91
– Cedrela: 84–90 (estimated)