Elizabeth Jane streaks clear of her rivals under Donagh O'Connor© Photo Healy Racing
Debutant Elizabeth Jane came from last to first as she completed a Leopardstown double for Dermot Weld in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden.
Returned at 16/1 in the second colours of Moyglare Stud Farm, the well-bred daughter of Dubawi was a bit slow into stride and raced in rear early on.
She made good progress when pushed along from early in the straight and surged through to lead from the furlong pole, going on to score impressively by four-and-a-quarter lengths.
Returned the 11/10 favourite, Andromeda had to settle for second under Seamie Heffernan for Aidan O'Brien, while the Henry de Bromhead-trained Higher Leaves (17/2) was a neck away in third.
"She’ll be a lovely filly next year when she fills out into her frame," winning rider Donagh O'Connor stated.
"She was a bit sluggish from the gates and I just had to bide my time. She was a bit behind the bridle which was ideal on that ground.
"Before we turned in I gave her a squeeze and she was instantly into my hands and cut through them like a knife through butter.
"She was a bit idle in front but still quickened away from them and took plenty of pulling up which is always a good sign."
Kris Weld, son of the winning trainer, added: "She is a regally bred filly with a great attitude. She went through the ground which you wouldn't be sure of beforehand.
"Donagh gave her a lovely ride and she’s won impressively."
Weld earlier claimed the opener with fellow newcomer Azada while he had to settle for third with stablestar Tahiyra in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.
Coincidentally, Sapphire, the dam of the winner, claimed the Qipco British Champions Fillies And Mares Stakes for the same connections at Ascot 11 years ago, with the late great Pat Smullen doing the steering.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
