Fantasy Lady picked an opportune time to shed her maiden tag, as she just prevailed in the Listed Staffordstown Stud Stakes.

Trained by Paddy Twomey, the daughter of Dark Angel was fourth on debut at Cork last month before finishing second on her most recent start at Dundalk.

Bought for 80,000 as a yearling, the grey victor was sent off at 10/1 this afternoon with Billy Lee in the saddle for owners Martin Schwartz and Genesis Thoroughbreds Club.

Settled towards rear, she made progress on the outer with over two furlongs to race and was pushed along to lead inside the final 200 yards. Sense Of Style threw down a challenge as they raced towards the line, but the winner done just enough to prevail by a short head.

The runner-up was returned at 7/1 under Declan McDonogh for Joseph O'Brien, while La Joconde (12/1) was another two and a half lengths back in third. Earth Strike also trained by Joseph O'Brien, was sent off the 3/1 favourite and she finished a disappointing eighth.

Lee said afterwards: "She's a very nice filly. The draw wasn't great so I had to tuck in and take my time a bit.

"She had two lovely runs. The six in Cork was a bit sharp and then Dundalk was probably not ideal for her but it was a good run behind a good horse.

"We were coming here to get some black type but we did like her. She was a winner in waiting of a maiden and is one to look forward to now for next year."

STEWARDS REPORT

W.J. Lee, rider of Fantasy Lady trained by P. Twomey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount rolled right inside the final furlong.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee