Zebrey, the well-backed odds-on favourite could only manage third place, to the second market choice, Dolce Strega in the opening McGrath Oil Maiden at Tipperary.

Billy Lee rode the once previously raced daughter of Zoffany, and she came on nicely from her debut third placing at Naas, leading inside the final furlong for a half length victory over Anania with the aforementioned Zebrey half a length off them.

"She had a good run the first day. Connor King rode her and he gave her a lovely ride. She stayed on and ran a nice race," reported King.

"There today she jumped away well and I got into a nice position behind the two leaders.

"I thought Colin (Keane, on Anania), when he quickened, was going to take another two lengths out of me, but in fairness to my one, once I got stuck into her she knuckled down to it.

"It was cosy in the end - she was a little green running to the line. The winning margin could probably have been a bit further but I like her and she can go forward from this.

"She should get six no problem at all. They had me at halfway but I think the ground played to my strengths and she stayed well."

Meanwhile McCreery said: "She's a grand little filly and did it well. I thought this side (near side of the track) was quicker than the far side.

"She's a straight-forward filly and I might step her up now. She'll be a nice filly next year and I won't phase her this year. It's the first runner in Ireland for her owner/breeder Renzo Forni, who has had horses in Italy previously."

(TW & EM)