Alpha (2f Sea The Stars - Alpha Centauri, by Mastercraftsman) gained a first Group-race win when justifying favouritism in the Group 3 Silver Flash Stakes at Leopardstown on Thursday. The Coolmore and Niarchos family homebred had run out an impressive winner on her second start at the Curragh last month, propelling her to the forefront for next year’s Classics. Trained by Aidan O’Brien, the Ryan Moore-ridden filly settled towards the rear and moved up into midfield after two furlongs. She was asked to close from two furlongs out and led inside the final 110 yards. Despite the fast finish of runner-up Dancing Destiny, the filly won by a neck, while in third was Nevermindtherain (by No Nay Never). O'Brien said: "She won obviously. It was a bit messy at the start. She was a little bit slow away. Ryan said he just gave her a little root to wake up and then she came on the bridle and was doing a little bit too much. And then Wayne [on Nevermindtherain] got away and it was just a mess really. Anyway, she won and it was grand. She got a little bit tired as well. "We're training her as if the races are work rather than races if you know what I mean. If they're not really wound up and it goes wrong at the start it can be difficult. I thought she did well to win. She will be fine and I look forward to her the next day. The plan will be to go for the Debutante at the Curragh."