Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning, out of luck in the 2000 Guineas Trial with Intense Focus, gained compensation by landing a quick double with Three Rocks (100-30 favourite) in the Leopardstown Aertel Page 277 Handicap and Maoineach (7-2) in the Leopardstown 1,000 Guineas Trial.

The latter staked a claim for the Stan James 1000 Guineas with a smooth victory over Heart Shaped, runner-up in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf on her last start.

Empress Of France and the favourite Chintz led the field round the home turn but the race soon changed complexion.

Heart Shaped briefly hit the front but she had no answer to the surge of Maoineach who went on to win by a length and three-quarters. Smart Coco was third.

The sponsors were impressed, cutting Maoineach to 20-1 from 40s for the Newmarket Classic.

Boylesports are 16s (from 33s) while totesport go 25s from 40s. Sky Bet were more impressed and are 14s from 33/1, a move mirrored by Victor Chandler. William Hill are 14s from 25s.

When asked about the 1000 Guineas Bolger replied: "She could go anywhere, I have a couple of others so I will play it by ear. At this stage it is more likely to be Cuis Ghaire.

"Cuis Ghaire won't have a run before the Guineas. She's in good shape and she's very easy to get ready."

He also explained why the American-bred filly made her debut in Group company.

"She wasn't qualified for the EBF (as she came from America) which meant there wasn't a maiden for her and she was ready to run which is why she made her debut in a Group Three last year," the Coolcullen trainer went on.

"In France the top half inch of turf was moving and it was very firm underneath and she didn't like the moving ground which I think was the reason she disappointed.

"But she can handle good or good to firm as it was today - she has plenty of options.

"I expected that performance, she's a very smart filly and I was hoping she'd win."

Maoineach was led to the start accompanied by Metamorphosis, who gained fame last season for his assistance to New Approach in a similar role.

Bolger and Manning had initiated a double when Three Rocks took the Leopardstown Aertel Page 277 Handicap by a length and three-quarters from dead-heaters Empirical Power and Mourinho.

"Three Rocks is a really good horse and he's an improver as well," said Bolger.