A deserving winner though not especially strong form for a Classic, with the filly who beat Tahiyra at Newmarket, Mawj, absent and most of the field rather limited at this level. It was run at a fair pace, at least much quicker than the previous day’s Irish 2000 Guineas, but with the principals coming back a bit quicker than par (Tahiyra herself posting a 106.4% finishing speed). As with the colts’ race, a position close to the far rail may have been a small advantage, the first three home drawn 1, 2 and 3.
TAHIYRA (113+ here, 118 previously) landed very short odds with only a few moments of worry, better than the result, as she had demonstrated when almost beating Mawj at Newmarket, and the extra experience should not be lost on her in the event of a rematch with that one. She tracked the pace from her draw in stall 1, had to wait for a couple of strides for a gap 2f out, edged ahead 1f out and ran on strongly for mostly hands and heels.
MEDITATE (109 here, 111 previously) ran creditably but has understandably levelled out in terms of form given the amount of racing she has now had, leading/close up and going on again for sure over 2f out, headed and unable to quicken 1f out. She would not be sure to stay further.
COMHRA (109 here, 95 previously) ran remarkably well in first-time cheekpieces, her proximity the only real reason to view the form with any suspicion. She was steadied towards the rear in a bunched field, made headway up the far rail 2f out and continued to run on well, just missing out on second. She should add to her sole win in a maiden at some stage.
TARAWA (106+ here, 103 previously) ran well and shaped as if better is still to come, held up in touch and travelling well, short of room over 2f out and making late headway without getting in a blow. She should stay 10f.
JACKIE OH (99 here, 102 previously) was close to form despite getting messed around a bit, pushed along leaving her stall and soon in last place though not far back, making headway a bit wide to dispute third approaching the final 1f then fading.
YOU SEND ME (87 here, 106 previously) showed up prominently for a long way before weakening for a below-par effort.
BREEGE (86 here, 99 previously) might have needed her first run since October, going quite freely in mid-field and briefly short of room before weakening.
DOWER HOUSE (83 here, 95 previously) led mid-race but dropped away at the business end (briefly short of room).
ETERNAL SILENCE (78 here, 97 previously) went freely before weakening on her first run since September.
ASPEN GROVE (76 here, 100 previously) ran poorly, in trouble after halfway.
