Sun Goddess shines in quick Curragh turnaround

Sun Goddess did enough to make a quick return to action pay off in the Airlie Stud Stakes at the Curragh.

Last seen finishing a length second to Libertango in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot, Aidan O’Brien’s filly tracked Beibhinn and Belle Of The Ball before putting her head down to take charge of the Group Two contest.

Green Empress made taking late gains but was three-quarters of a length adrift of the 2-7 favourite at the line, having been five lengths in arrears when the pair met here last month.

O’Brien said: “We were running her back quick, so we didn’t really know. She’s a lovely filly and we’ll give her a bit of time now.

“She just got hung up in the pace a little bit (at Ascot). Ryan said he had to fight early and the winner was locked up out the back and just came when the race was over. That’s the way you know.

“She is very classy. A great traveller. She is still a baby. I think the Moyglare would be suitable. I think she’s going to stay and will be comfortable enough going up to seven (furlongs).

“She seemed to be well after Ascot. The race was there this weekend and it’s beautiful ground. All the things suited.”