Pleascach returned to form with a vengeance in the Yorkshire Oaks, wearing down Irish Oaks winner Covert Love in the closing stages to give trainer Jim Bolger his third win in the race.
Bolger’s Irish 1,000 Guineas winner arrived on the Knavesmire on the back of an underwhelming effort in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh last time out and was sent off at 8-1, while 15-8 favourite Covert Love had enjoyed her finest moment in winning the Irish Oaks on her latest outing.
Jockey Pat Smullen allowed Covert Love to set sedate early fractions before kicking on in the straight and had many of her rivals in trouble entering the concluding stages of the mile-and-a-half feature.
But deep inside the final furlong Hugo Palmer's charge saw her stride just start to shorten, while a determined Kevin Manning continued to get more from the eventual winner.
As the post loomed, Pleascach finally wore down the long-time leader to put her head in front by a neck.
French challenger Sea Calisi (7-1) was a further neck away in third.
The winner was given a fine ride by Manning, who said: "She battled all the way to the line and she's done it very well.
"I thought she ran a little bit flat the last day and didn't run up to scratch.
"I thought she was back to her best when I rode her work last week.
"She goes on various types of ground and is a very talented filly."
Bolger said: "Previously we tried to settle her a little bit and it meant breaking her stride and Kevin decided whatever happened he wasn't going to break her stride today. He gave her a beautiful ride.
"We knew she was at the top of her game coming here.
"We'll have to see how she comes out of this, but maybe something at Longchamp like the Prix de l'Opera."
Godolphin's bloodstock advisor John Ferguson said of the winner: "Kevin said a furlong and a half out he knew he was going to win.
"Quite simply Jim Bolger is a master trainer. He told me beforehand that he felt he had her back to her best.
"She disappointed at Royal Ascot and in the Pretty Polly, so it's great she's come back and shown her form.
"We'll be guided by Jim as to where to go. It's possible she could stay in training next year. She looks the type to carry on improving."
