Highly-rated Classic hope Grey Swallow was an impressive winner of the Killavullan Stakes at Leopardstown today.
The Dermot Weld-trained grey stormed to the front just over a furlong out to stamp his authority on the Group Three contest over seven furlongs.
It was a procession from then on, with the 4-9 shot powering home to score by eight lengths in the hands of Pat Smullen.
Aidan O'Brien's Newton, who cut out most of the running, stuck on well for second place, with Takrice third of the four runners.
Weld, delighted with the performance, said: "He did it very impressively. He was cruising throughout. That should help him stay next season. How far we'll have to see, but I'd imagine he would get 10 furlongs.
"For different reasons he didn't run in the Group One on Arc day, and the ground at both Newmarket and Doncaster was too quick. As it turned out he may have won the Dewhurst, but I didn't want to risk jarring him up.
"I'm quite sure this was the logical race to run him in. The ground was good and he won't have to carry a Group One penalty in a Classic trial next spring."
Grey Swallow, now unbeaten in two starts, was immediately quoted at 12-1 from 14-1 for the 2000 Guineas and 25-1 from 33s for the Vodafone Derby with Ladbrokes.
John Oxx saddled Lady's View to win the opening Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Fillies Maiden in the hands of apprentice Cathy Gannon.
The 5lb claimer is now on the 28-winner mark, just two behind the Aidan O'Brien-based Pat Cosgrave, who leads in the race to be champion apprentice in Ireland.