Roses For The Lady looked a smart stayer in the making when returning to action with a game performance in the Vintage Crop Stakes at Navan.
Last year's Irish Oaks runner-up made all under Fran Berry but had to work hard to see off the challenge of English raider Merchant Of Dubai in the Listed event.
The John Oxx-trained 6/4 favourite was strongly pressed by Alan Swinbank's charge down the straight but shook off his attention inside the final furlong for a three-length success.
"It was a relief to win. It was a suitable race for her but I was terrified of the ground," admitted Oxx.
"It was her first time on it this year and she got away with it. She's sound enough but doesn't like it much. She needs soft to be at her best.
"She's been second in an Irish Oaks and won a stakes race now so that's great.
"She's in the Yorkshire Cup and if it was forecasted for a wet week she could go there but I wouldn't bring her unless it was soft. She stays well and will get two miles."
Berry also admitted his mount wasn't in love with the fast surface:- "She handled it but would be better with a cut. She stays well but is just a bit lazy."
Dermot Weld was happy with the run of third-placed Grace O'Malley who was giving weight away to her rivals.
"I'm very please. She just got tired in the final furlong and I'd expect a nice bit of improvement from that."
