Favourite backers got off on the right note at the final stage of the Killarney May meeting when Muzbid (6/5) landed the spoils in the Ross Golf Course (C & G) Maiden.

Dermot Weld maintained his recent hot streak as the Pat Smullen-ridden Lope de Vega gelding was always to the fore before accounting for Diarist by three lengths.

Muzbid had been fourth on his debut at Cork 31 days back.

"He ran very green in Cork and he still showed greenness there. He jumped the roads and he'd a fair look at the shadows near the winning post. I think there is a bit of improvement to come from him," said Smullen.

"I thought his run in Cork was good enough for him to win. It's nice to get a maiden win and hopefully he can win a handicap.

"The ground is quite gluey and it's hard work. Yielding is probably the right description but it's gluey."

(AM & EM)