Factum pulled it out of the fire for odds-on punters when sticking his head in front on the line in the seven-furlong conditions race at Dundalk.
Johnny Murtagh bounced out in front on the 1/2 shot but had Triple Eight for company throughout.
The Ballydoyle charge looked set for second place when headed by his rival at the furlong pole but battled on gamely.
The pair flashed past the post locked together and Factum just got the verdict in a tight photo.
"He's a nice horse. He's still very raw and green," said Murtagh of the winner afterwards.
"When Pat (Smullen) came to me it helped me. He just hit the line on a good stride."
