CLASSIC trials season in Ireland kicked off with a monster shock as 80/1 chance Keeper Of Time bested a decent field to give trainer Johnny Feane the first pattern race success of his career in the Group 3 Ballylinch Stud Priory Belle 1000 Guineas Trial Stakes.

A €3,000 yearling and a winner of a Naas maiden last season, the John Nolan-owned daughter of Mehmas returned with a creditable fifth in the Madrid Handicap but even that appeared to leave her well short of the required standard. Keeper Of Time and Ronan Whelan rose to the challenge at hand in fine style though.