The Dermot Weld-trained Harzand justified his short price in the concluding ten furlong maiden at Cork when streaking clear in the closing stages for a wide margin win.

The Aga Khan colt was sent off a well backed 4/9 favourite (5/4 this morning) having shaped with promise on his sole run last season with fifth in a Gowran Park maiden.

Pat Smullen tracked stable-mate Tarazani before sending his mount into the lead passing the two pole.

He galloped on strongly in the closing stages for an impressive 16-length success. Sword Fighter ran on late to pip Tarazani for the runner-up spot.

"He was very green on his first run when it was all very new to him but he learned from that and matured over the winter,” said Kris Weld.

"It was very testing out there and as a result it was hard to be positive about any horse given the conditions but he won nicely.

"We won't get carried away just yet but hopefully he'll be a nice horse for the rest of the year and he'll go up to a mile and a half before too long.

"We'll wait and see before making plans."

It was a double on the card for Weld and Smullen as the pair had also struck earlier on the card with Moyglare filly Love In The Sun

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)