Crimson Flower is on course for the Galway Hurdle after making it four wins in the space of 19 days when landing the e30,000 Sporting Press Tipperary Cup.
The 8yo mare, who was completing a hat-trick on the Flat since scoring in fine style over hurdles at the Punchestown Festival, won a shade cosily.
Timmy Houlihan sent her to the front off the home turn, and didn't need to ride out in the closing stages for a neck verdict over Little Rort.
'The soft ground would not have suited her, and she just got away with it. I'll give her a break now and then aim her at the Galway Hurdle with a run beforehand,' said permit-holder John Morrison.
Favourite backers were also on the mark in the 10f fillies maiden where Alliata made virtually all under John Murtagh to justify odds of 1/2.
However Lady O'Reilly's American-bred needed to be ridden right out to get the better of Southern Style by 2L with the pair pulling 14L clear of the remainder.
'She won well enough considering she jumped two roadways, and you have to get over the last before you can win here!,' quipped trainer John Oxx afterwards.
He added, 'We'll see what kind of handicap mark she gets, and try to get her a bit of black type at some stage of the season.'
William Flood completed a notable double on the afternoon as successful breeder of both Windsor Dancer and Baranndee.
Windsor Dancer was driven out by Pat Cosgrave to hold off Temptation Island in the 10f handicap, and Ger Lyons' charge is likely to be campaigned both on the Flat and over hurdles this summer.
Billy Lee was given a one day suspension for excessive use of the whip on the runner-up.
Baranndee, owned and bred by Flood, benefitted from a confident ride by Timmy Murphy in the 2m4f handicap chase heading front-runner Give Me Style after two out to score by 1 1/2L.
Feichead Ghra (11/4-6/4f) landed a gamble under Barry Cash in the maiden hurdle, leading before two out to beat Mossland by 10L.
Sharp Risk (David O'Leary) held off Wilton Bridge by 1L in the handicap hurdle, while Accordion Etoile travelled smoothly under Aidan Fitzgerald to take the bumper.
Caimin's Caper (runner-up) was disqualified in the bumper after Thomas Dreaper failed to weigh-in.
Alan Magee
