IT was some finish to the Group 2 Debutante Stakes at the Curragh on Friday evening, with Alpine Star just getting the better of the bob with Petite Mustique. Soul Search was not far behind them and So Wonderful ran on well to take fourth place. This is a race from which the protagonists could have a significant influence on future happenings.

Alpine Star had a tall reputation before she ever set foot on a racecourse, which was not altogether surprising, given that Jessica Harrington’s filly is a half-sister to Alpha Centauri. She still has a long way to go to reach those highs. Victory in the Group 2 Debutante Stakes, on just her third run, to add to her impressive maiden victory. She is going about things the right way.