Pope rules at the Curragh

Alexander Pope one the best backed horses in the Group 3 Airlie Stud Gallinule Stakes did the business for Ballydoyle with Colm O'Donoghue up.

English raider Moriarty filled the runner-up berth for Richard Hannon and Ryan Moore whilst in-form trainer Andy Oliver saw another of his charges perform right up to scratch as Smartcity finished third under Chris Hayes.

Aidan O'Brien said: "Alexander Pope might get further than a mile and a quarter.

"He'll go to Royal Ascot now or for the French Derby.

"He's in the King Edward at Royal Ascot over a mile and a half.

"He travels very well. He doesn't do much when he hits the front which makes me think that he'll get further."