Fior Cliste opened his account when making a belated seasonal debut in the Pickerings Lifts Maiden at Leopardstown.

The son of Pour Moi showed promise in four outings last term, all with cut in the ground, but was racing on a fast surface (officially good to firm) for the first time here.

The Jim Bolger-trained gelding struck the front over a furlong out, and kept on strongly under Kevin Manning to score in decisive fashion.

The 7/2 co favourite won by two lengths with fellow market leaders Bay Of Skaill and Dreaming Of Gold filling the minor places.

Bolger said, “I had concerns about the ground but took a chance and Kevin said he was fine on it. He can handle anything from that down, and can go a mile.”