A promising fourth in a back-end Curragh maiden on her only start at two, the 11/4 favourite Mariesque made a winning reappearance in the Gowran Park Median Auction Fillies Maiden.

Waited with towards rear early on, Shane Crosse’s mount made headway early in the straight and was ridden clear over a furlong out.

She soon had the race in safe keeping and was eased late on to beat stablemate Sheer Chance (15/2) by two lengths.

Brendan Powell, assistant to winning trainer Joseph O’Brien, said: “She confirmed the promise of last year.

“Shane said she was still a bit green early, as they went quick, but she stayed on well and she will stay further.

“The race she was fourth in last year, Frill was just behind her, and she's won today.

“She had been working well at home, she's won her maiden now, and I think she can go on and do something better, especially over a trip.

“It's a long time since she ran and she'd still be a bit green, like she showed early on today, so I'm sure she'll improve in every way for it.”

Quotes from Gary Carson