In the wake of the Epsom Oaks in June, SEVENTH HEAVEN (IRE) might have been a forgotten filly for many, an also-ran at odds of 20/1. Six weeks later, however, she found her true form in the Curragh equivalent when a flatter, more conventional track on better ground played to her strengths. Another month hence, in the Yorkshire Oaks on Thursday, she delivered by far her best yet when defeating her stable companion, the Breeders' Cup Turf heroine Found (IRE), fair and square by nearly three lengths. Just as pleasingly, trainer Aidan O'Brien suggested SEVENTH HEAVEN (IRE) would stay in training next year given her rate of improvement and physical scope. All sorts of entries now seem realistic.

Bred by the La Traviata Syndicate, SEVENTH HEAVEN (IRE) is a half-sister to the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes and South African-based sire Crusade and the dual Group 2 placed Cristoforo Colombo. Their dam is the American Grade 3 winner La Traviata. It almost goes without saying that she is by the invincible Galileo (IRE).

The second day of the Ebor meeting opened with the Goffs Premier Yearling Stakes, a six furlong dash and STORMY CLOUDS (IRE) could have named the winner a long way from home. Bred by Tally-Ho Stud - who also stand his sire Sir Prancealot (IRE), still leading the way in the First Season Sire rankings - STORMY CLOUDS (IRE) is the second foal from the mare Singinintherain (IRE) who is from the same family as the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes winner Where Or When (IRE).