Midnight Soprano justified favouritism in the Clonard Maiden, keeping it simple under Fran Berry by making most to prevail by three lengths.

She was under pressure two furlongs out but she pulled out what was required inside the final furlong to see off Scots Gaelic with a six length gap back to Green Art in third.

Paul Deegan trains the successful three-year-old and he said: "She did it well, she stays very well and is very genuine though it mightn't have looked it there. Maybe going that way around (right-handed) mightn't have completely suited her.

"She is still green though and still learning. We'll put her in a handicap now and see where she goes from there. If she has half the heart of her sister, Celtic Soprano, she'll go a long way.

"Jim Monaghan, the winning owner and breeder is from Tipperary. I'm delighted for him, he is a very sporting man."