< Tree Of Knowledge stole the show at Gowran Park on Wednesday following an impressive first career success in the Best Of Luck To The Kilkenny Hurlers This Sunday Maiden.

Aidan O'Brien's son of Oasis Dream is improving for each visit to the track and appreciated a front-running rider from 3lb claimer Donnacha O'Brien.

The proximity of the 98-rated Ample Sufficiency a close fifth in the Group Two Beresford Stakes last season, suggests the form is rock solid and the even-money favourite pulled out more at the finish to win by a comfortable three and three quarter lengths.< Bainne (5-4 favourite) got punters off to the best possible start when landing the Gowran Park Fillies Claiming Race (4.25).

Michael O'Callaghan's daughter of Strategic Prince looked well treated at the weights and was produced late under a perfectly-timed Colin Keane ride to score by a length and a quarter from Zebgrey

There was a surprise in the Irish Stallions Farms EBF (C & G) Median Auction Maiden when Forrest Prince (28-1) made all in determined fashion at the main expense of Mack Attack the 4-7 hot-pot.

Patrick Prendergast's son of Approve took a huge step forward from what was a disappointing debut effort at the Curragh 10 days ago and under an inspired Ronan Whelan he ran out a three-quarter-length winner.

The judge was needed to determine the winner of the Gowran Park Golf Club Nursery Handicap in which Joyce Compton got up right on the line to deny Awicompany by a nose.

Willie McCreery's filly, an 8-1 chance, wasn't winning out of turn judged on recent performances and was delivered late under Billy Lee to give the County Kildare-based handler a winner on his 49th birthday.

Peter McCreery joined his brother on the scoresheet when Lady Ranger (7-1) landed the Kilkenny Apprentice Handicap.

An important winner for 4lb claimer Keith Quinn, the third of his career, the daughter of Bushranger needed every yard of the seven furlong trip and won a shade cosily up the rail.< Windsor Beach (5-2 joint-favourite) was another to appreciate