Tanza (noseband) comes through to lead under Pat Smullen© Photo Healy Racing
Newcomer Tanaza justified market support as she took the opener at Leopardstown, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden, in the colours of the Aga Khan.
The Dermot Weld trained daughter of Dubawi was available at 7/2 last night with Paddy Power, opening on-course at 11/4 before going off the 2/1 favourite.
Having raced in fifth she came with her challenge on the outer from a furlong and a half out and she swept passed her rivals inside the final furlong, keeping on well to score by two and a half lengths under Pat Smullen. Minding (11/4), who attempted to make all, finished second under Joseph O'Brien for his father Aidan while Miss Gossip was a further two and a quarter lengths back in third under Niall McCullagh for Jessica Harrington. Special Focus was the 6/4 market leader last night but she proved friendless with punters (went off a 9/4 chance) and finished a disappointing sixth.
Dermot Weld said afterwards: "She was just a little immature and green in the early stages. When she got the hang of things she came home extremely well.
"We ran today as it set her up nicely for the Silver Flash next month. The Group 3 is the logical way to go.
"She has plenty of stamina in her pedigree but is not short of pace. That was good fast ground and she handled it well.
"She could be very good. She's a smart filly."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
