Alabama Calling (7/1) improved on a recent Dundalk runner-up effort to win Limerick's Ryans Cleaning Maiden today, scoring under Luke McAteer and for trainer David Marnane's MRC International group of owners.

The Soldier's Call-filly circled the field when challenging rounding the final bend and while strongly pressed by Victoria Kesia inside the final furlong, held on well for a half-length win.

Marnane reported “she had a few runs in handicaps and is getting progressively better. She is still quite raw and I don't know whether she liked that ground (soft to heavy) or not but I doubt it. She should progress away as the summer goes along.

“When the race came up, it looked tailor made for her and her mares' allowance brought her up to 71. She is very genuine, will be better on better ground and I wouldn't be stepping her up too much in distance.”

He added “my whole yard is pretty much all MRC International (Dubai-based owners) now and they are all running really well. I have had a good few nice two-year-olds this year and some of last year's three-year-olds are nice as well.

“We have a good few runners over the next week or so and Jakajaro runs in the Group 3 Lacken Stakes on Sunday. He came out of his recent run in Ascot really well and while taking on Con's (Marnane, brother) Givemethebeatboys will be difficult, he is a pretty good horse.”