Tiffilia makes experience count

Tiffilia battled on well from over a furlong out to deny the fast-finishing Empresario and Buffalo Billy by two necks in the opening seven furlong juvenile maiden on the Naas card.

With seven of the 15-runner field holding Group race entries this could be a hot maiden and there was plenty of money in the betting ring.

Tommy Stack’s Moldowney was punted from a morning price of 28/1 down to 4/1 at the off but the son of Dalakhani could only finish eighth after giving way a furlong out. Zahr Alyasmeen representing owner Jaber Abdullah and trainer Paul Deegan was supported from 20/1 to 14/1 on course and was prominent before fading to finish fifth.

Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning teamed up with the winner who was sent off 10/1 and who had finished fourth in her two previous races. Trainer Jim Bolger said: “She’s a three-year-old type. She’s already starting to improve.

“She’s a little on the weak side but she’s getting stronger. She could be a good filly by this time next year.

“She’ll probably run again this year but we aren’t sure where yet.”

Empresario on his debut for David Wachman stayed on well into second place for jockey Billy Lee and belied his odds of 18/1 (from 25/1).

Buffalo Billy was a drifter from 11/4 to 7/2 but was closing at the finish when coming home third for John Oxx and Niall McCullagh. Secretary Of State with Joseph O’Brien putting up three pounds overweight, was the 9/4 favourite for Ballydoyle and finished fourth.

Michael Graham