THE transformation of the racehorse Santiago from relative zero to classic hero has been as a sudden as it has been complete.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt reappeared only a few weeks ago, at Royal Ascot, with just a Listowel win to his name from three runs in maidens, promptly won the Group 2 Queen’s Vase and just eight days later added Saturday’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh. That is quite a journey, as they say.

Given that the Queen’s Vase was run at an extended 14 furlongs, and that Santiago got on top late on in a well-run race, it was always likely to be to his advantage if the Irish Derby at two furlongs shorter constituted a proper test of stamina.

Give in the ground, at least on the round course, and a solid gallop, at least until approaching the straight (as far as we can tell without official sectionals), both helped, as did an opening coming at just the right time for Santiago, over two furlongs out.

But Santiago had to show battling qualities as well as stamina thereafter to withstand his stablemate Tiger Moth, which he did by just a head. Dawn Patrol made eye-catching late headway in third, with Order Of Australia completing a one-two-three-four for Ballydoyle.

It was a memorable occasion, despite the best efforts of the weather (driving rain, which made some of the viewing on TV less than perfect), but it has to be said that this year’s Irish Derby looked stronger on quantity than quality beforehand, and there is no compelling reason to upgrade that view significantly based on the result, including the time which it took the race to be run.

I have a figure of 114 on Santiago, including some upgrading for the strength of his finish, 112 for Tiger Moth, and 111 for Dawn Patrol. That is somewhere between Group 1 and Group 2 standard for races restricted to three-year-olds, and the latter at best for those that are not. But Santiago has come a long way in a short time and could yet go further.