VICTORIOUS is set for the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot after maintaining her unbeaten run as Ryan Moore timed his challenge to perfection in the Coolmore Stud Irish EBF Fillies Sprint Stakes at Naas.

Maria Quiteria pulled them along before the field laid down their challenge approaching the final furlong.

The duelling Vollering, from Archie Watson’s yard, and Victorious, who won on her debut over course and distance last month, took it up as Maria Quiteria faded.

Victorious surged clear and the big danger was coming from the rear of the field as Controlla was catching but Aidan O’Brien’s 10-11 favourite held off the newcomer by a neck.

The winner is bred to be good, being by the late Wootton Bassett out of Heaven On Earth, a sister to Minding and Tuesday.

O’Brien said: “She’s still green but she’s lovely. She’s coming lovely and I’m delighted with that.

“Ryan just said he followed two and they died in front of him at halfway and he got left there. She was a bit green when she was in front but it was good for her. The Albany is the plan for her.”