Aidan O’Brien’s Unless could take a sizeable step up in grade following her tough performance in the Listed Michael John Kennedy Memorial Irish EBF Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday.

The regally-bred filly had yet to really live up to the heights of her striking pedigree, but seemingly relished the step up in trip when a ready winner of the ten-furlong Listed Michael John Kennedy Memorial Irish EBF Stakes at the Curragh. 

The daughter of US Triple Crown winner Justify travelled kindly towards the front end under jockey Gary Carroll and fought her way to the lead with two furlongs to travel. It was unknown territory from there on in as she stepped beyond a mile for the first time, but the 6/1 chance continued to pull out more in front and finished a comfortable one- and three-quarter lengths clear of the well-fancied market leader Azazatat the line. 

Unless is the first foal of 2017 Cheveley Park Stakes victor Clemmie and O'Brien was quick to recognise the value of this Listed success. 

He said: "She's Clemmie's first foal so she's a seriously valuable mare." 

Paddy Power trimmed Unless from 33/1 to 25/1 for Yorkshire Oaks at York on August 24 and trainer Aidan O'Brien was more than happy to suggest a step up to Group 1 company on the Knavesmire could be on the cards. 

"We're delighted with her. She always looked like she would get that trip and she's a typical Justify, wants a Classic trip, and she could even get further as Gary said she galloped all the way down to the boards," said O'Brien.

"She will definitely stay further, and the Yorkshire Oaks could be a possibility."