'Work in progress' Xenobia off the mark

Xenobia was well on top in the closing stages as she got off the mark at the third time of asking in the Leopardstown Median Auction Maiden.

Chris Hayes' mount travelled strongly in behind front-runner Aljunood in the mile contest before moving upsides turning for home.

The pair battled it out down the straight with Bill Farrell's charge getting on top inside the final furlong.

She really started to motor in the closing stages and Hayes could afford to ease up at the post for a cosy three-and-a-quarter length success.

The winner was a solid 7/4 favourite (5/2 this morning). She had been fifth on her comeback run at Naas last month having been runner-up here on her sole outing last season.

“She had a lovely run the first day and just blew up the last day at Naas. I was slightly worried about the trip and the ground,” said Farrell.

“The credit should really go to my son Samuel who does all the work with her. The penny is starting to drop, and she will make a lovely filly at the back-end of the year.

“We’ll take our time with her as she is a work in progress.”

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)