Above The Curve a Group 1 winner for AOTF

Despite being beaten in the Cheshire Oaks this month, there was every indication that the lightly raced Above The Curve would line up at Epsom next week. However, her connections had a change of heart and the well bred daughter of American Pharoah headed to France on Sunday instead. It proved to be an astute decision with Joseph O'Brien's capturing the Group 1 Prix Saint-Alary by a length. The filly, who is featured in the Maidens In Waiting section of Ahead On The Flat, was dropping back to ten furlongs and ridden handily by Ryan Moore. Indeed, it was an excellent ride as the former champion jockey sat close to the pacesetting Blue Wings before taking over with a furlong and a half to run. While it took Above The Curve a few strides to engage top gear, she stayed on well to run out a comfortable winner. It will be interesting to see if she is kept to a mile and a quarter, which brings the Group 1 Prix De Diane (16th June) into the equation, or she reverts back to longer distances and takes her chance in the Irish Oaks at the Curragh. Long-term, she holds an entry in the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe. She is a smart filly and a Group 1 winner.