Third at Leopardstown on his reapppearance, the 83-rated New Variant went two places better in the 1m4f maiden.

Despite running a bit freely in the hands of Luke McAteer, Jim Bolger's gelding saw the trip out well. Having sat second, he moved up to challenge King Leodegrance entering the straight and took that one's measure in the final 150 yards. There was a length and a quarter between them at the line.

Travelling head man Ger Flynn commented: "He ran a blinker in Leopardstown when finishing third and today there looked to be an opportunity. Luke said they didn't go a mad gallop and he used his experience well.

"He stayed at it well, battled it out and showed a really good attitude. Luke said he handled the ground and hopefully it is onwards and upwards."

Quotes from Tom Weekes