Blue De Vega on an upward curve

Blue De Vega justified 11/10 favouritism with an impressive victory in the Group Three Killavullan Stakes over seven furlongs in Leopardstown.

Colin Keane had the colt settled in third, behind Tribal Beat and Black Sea with three furlongs to go.

He travelled powerfully just off the leaders before the button was pressed a furlong and a half out.

He got his nose in front in the final 150 yards and readily asserted to come home three and a half lengths ahead of Tribal Beat (5/1) who had no answers in the latter stages.

Trainer Michael O'Callaghan said: "He showed what he was made of at Naas but it's a big step up from a maiden to a Group Three and he's bridged the gap well.

"He's a very talented colt and does everything very easy. There was a bit of added pressure after being bought by Sheik Fahad, and it's great to win a Group Three for him.

"We'll let him develop over the winter, and hopefully we will have a Guineas horse in the spring. You need these kind of horses in the yard, and it's great when they go and do it on the track."

Colin Keane sported the Qatar Racing colours on the winner.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee