Jim Bolger's Guaranteed set the standard before thetote.com Eyrefield Stakes and so it proved in the race as he gamely landed the Group Three heat at Leopardstown.
Second last week to Aidan O'Brien's Coral Beach in the Killavullen Stakes, he was sent off a 9-2 chance in the hands of Kevin Manning who took up a nice position on the rails.
In contrast, 13-8 favourite Masaff had to come wide on the bend and while he stuck to his task, Guaranteed held a half-length advantage at the line.
It brought up a double for Bolger and Manning, who also won the thetote.com Knockaire Stakes with Smash Williams.
Another win for Jim Bolger and @kmanning910 as #Guaranteed takes the feature race, @thetotecom Eyrefield Stakes G3 pic.twitter.com/uK8tm3SiPP
— Leopardstown RC (@LeopardstownRC) October 27, 2018
"We haven't had a day like this for a little while," said Bolger.
"I loved him the last day and my only concern was going back so soon again. We'll make it up to him over the winter.
"Only once did he not run up to his form. It looks like he'll get a mile and a half next year. He's only half-furnished so there could be a lot of improvement.
"We'll look at some of the Derby trials next year. He handles any ground which is a big help."
