Queen Amidala got on top late on to deny Time Tunnel at Killarney in the Celtic Steps Maiden.

The runner-up had narrowly missed out here last month and it was a similar story as she was chased down inside the final furlong and headed close home.

The Joe Murphy-trained Queen Amidala stayed on best for Gary Carroll to get up for a half-length win as a well-backed 11/4 favourite.

The winner, making her third start, had been as big as 9/2 this morning. She had shaped well last time at Galway when staying on into third behind easy winner Lancaster House.

"The draw gave her no chance at Galway and I know she won but I'm not sure about the ground,” said Murphy.

“She didn't seem to be travelling turning but it was toughness kept her in it and her battling qualities won it for her.

"We'll go the handicap route next."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)