Gustav Klimt quickened up impressively to get off the mark in the opening Barronstown Stud Irish EBF Maiden at the Curragh this afternoon.

The 11/8 favourite settled behind the leaders in the seven-furlong contest before being asked take closer order, by Ryan Moore, approaching the two pole.

He showed an instant turn of foot to soon hit the lead and was quickly in control, going on for a cosy length-and-three-quarters success over Would Be King

The Aidan O'Brien-trained winner had been a promising fifth on his debut here in late May.

“We've always liked him and he ran a lovely race here first time,” said O'Brien.

“It was in our head that he would maybe go to the Chesham after that but Ryan said to maybe leave him, come back here, and let the filly go to the Chesham. That's how he ended up here.

“He's a lovely colt. He travels well and quickens well. Ryan was very happy with him and he said there is more to come from him. He said he was a little bit disorganised when he got there.

“He could go to one of those races at the July meeting in Newmarket or something like that. We'll see how he comes out of this and we won't be in any panic with him.”

Paddypower went 25/1 about the winner for the 2,000 Guineas while betfair gave him a 20/1 quote for the Derby.