IN initiating a Group 3 double for Shane Kelly and Johnny Murtagh last week, Create Belief (110) landed the Desmond Stakes at Leopardstown and, in the process, dispelled any fears that she would not handle faster conditions than she had excelled under at Ascot.

Kelly positioned his filly noticeably wide which, in the finish, proved to be shrewd as the early pace was not strong, so much so that the overall race time was only marginally faster than the fillies’ handicap won by I Siyou Baby (92).

However, the closing sectionals painted a picture of superiority as the Royal Ascot winner closed out in 36.61secs compared to the 37.81secs seconds posted by the handicapper.

Desmond Stakes runner-up Georgeville (105) stepped up on his Nasrullah Handicap performance at this venue when behind Mosala and was likely better suited by the mile here rather than the mile and a quarter in July, given his finishing effort of 36.16secs was the fastest of the field.

The fastest overall race time of the evening when adjusted for distance was registered by Oneiroi (77) who benefitted from a change of tactics to make every yard of the running to land the concluding handicap.

A relatively slow closing section of 38.92secs proved the pace was strong throughout and he hung tough in front more than quickening. I would give the son of Morpheus a chance to repeat the dose over the same trip.