Despite being outdone in the 2000 Guineas Trial with Intense Focus trainer Jim Bolger described himself as "happy" with the efforts of the Giant's Causeway colt, but he could be much more pleased later on in the afternoon after Maoineach recorded a somewhat snug victory in the Group 3 Leopardstown 1000 Guineas Trial.
The daughter of Congaree is now as low as 10/1 for the 1000 Guineas with Paddy Power and as big as 16/1 with Boylesports following the one and three parts of a length win.
Bolger did issue a slight warning however when stating plans for his Classic assaults are far from finalised.
"She will go on any ground and she is smart," said Bolger.
When asked about the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket he responded, "She could go anywhere, I have a couple of others so I will play it by ear. At this stage it is more likely to be Cuis Ghaire."
Maoineach was led to the start accompanied by Metamorphosis, who of course was made famous last season for his assitance to New Approach in a similar role.
Maoineach's victory was the second leg of a double for Bolger and Kevin Manning who earlier followed up last week's success with Three Rocks to land the Leopardstown Aertel Page 277 Handicap over seven-furlongs.
Future plans for the four-year-old son of Rock Of Gibraltar are likely to depend on the reaction of the handicapper.
