JOSEPH O’Brien, who has sent out only one winner less than his father Aidan so far this season, produced an impressive show of strength in the opener as the newcomer Earth Strike led home a one-two-three for the trainer in the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Fillies Maiden over seven furlongs.

A Zoffany half-sister to the outstanding stayer Order Of St George, this filly was sent off a 12/1 chance for a race that moved her trainer on to the 54 winner mark for the season. However, she belied her position in the market with a display of authority under Shane Crosse and coped well with what looked extremely testing ground.