Joza a fast-finishing third at Fairyhouse last time, opened his account in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden at Limerick.

The Adrian Keatley-trained colt was never too far from the pace in this seven-furlong event and just came out best in a tremendous final furlong battle at odds of 11/2.

Shane Foley ’s mount was only confirmed the winner by a nose from Pulsing Dragon after close examination of the photo-finish, with well-backed 7/4 favourite Cartes just a neck further back in third.

Keatley said, “I’d say he was just idling a bit in front. The last day he showed so much pace coming from behind, and I’d say that’s the way we’d switch back to riding him again.

“We’ll go for a nursery next and maybe we might wait until Galway. It could suit him over there. It’s job done now anyway.”