The Joseph O'Brien-trained American Sonja justified her short price when running out a cosy winner of the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden at the Curragh.

The field split into two in the six-furlong contest with McCauley's Tavern soon shooting into a clear lead on the stand's side.

Dylan Browne McMonagle asked American Sonja, who raced on the far side, to go and pick up the leader over a furlong out.

The 10/11 favourite was well on top in the closing stages to post a three-and-a-half length win.

The daughter of Tasleet was gaining a deserved success having been runner-up on her two most recent outings.

Assistant Brendan Powell said afterwards:- “Dylan said he was a bit worried for a minute as the other horse has a load of experience and stays well.

“He said though that he knew if he went a stride quicker he'd be going too quick. As it was she probably got to the front plenty soon enough but she's won nicely in the end.

“He said she deserves to go up a bit in class now, he said she's very genuine and she'll stay seven.

“He likes her, he said the ground probably wouldn't want to be much softer for her but she coped with that, probably on ability she got away with it more than anything.”