A close third here over the course and distance back in July, Queen Of Alba returned to spring a 14/1 surprise in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Handicap at Roscommon.

Young 7Ib claimer Daniel Redmond was aboard the Moyclear Syndicate-owned and Tom Cleary-trained Rock Of Gibraltar mare and he soon had her at the head of affairs.

Her pursuers couldn't bridge the gap in the final quarter mile and at the line Queen Of Alba had a length and three parts in hand over Sli Na Fiarana (also in the runner-up spot at the Curragh yesterday).

"I'm not surprised, I was expecting her to run well as she was in good form. The ground was way too quick for her at Gowran the last day and she was badly hampered there too," divulged Cleary.

"I was in touch with Michael Finneran (course manager) here over the last week and he told me exactly what the ground was like. Once there was any yielding in the ground it suited her."

On what's to come Cleary said: "She'll be a go excuse to go to Listowel now and she will go for the premier handicap over a mile and furlong. Rory wasn't available (his son rode sixth home Intense Debate for Jim Bolger) and Daniel rode for me before so it was handy to take the seven pounds off as well. He did what he was told and he showed he is well able to ride." (DM & EM)