Head Mistress found another gear when swooping close home to land the opening Molson Coors Beverage Company Race at Down Royal.

The Ger Lyons-trained newcomer was settled behind the leaders in the five furlong contest before being asked for an effort a furlong-and-a-half from home.

Sam Ewing switched his mount out at the furlong pole and the daughter of Profitable found her feet in the closing stages to grab front-runner Special Power for a length-and-a-half victory. Harmony Rose the 8/11 favourite, had every chance at the furlong pole but was one-paced in the closing stages and was just edged out of third by 80/1 shot Un Bacio Ancora

Head Mistress, a half-sister to four other winners, was sent off a 7/2 shot on her debut.

Ewing said afterwards: "The inside horse kind of ran off the bend so we had to sit and take our time.

"When she got herself organised and straightened up, she was very game and quickened well."

When asked about whether she is more of a six-furlong filly, he replied: "Ah look she is built for five so I'll leave that up to Ger."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)