The formidable Dermot Weld-Pat Smullen combination made it a double at Leopardstown in the Derrinstown Stud 1,000 Guineas Trial as Afternoon Sunlight turned in a fine front-running display.

A runaway winner at Limerick a fortnight ago, the daughter of Sea The Stars was sent off the 9-4 favourite for this Group Three test and was quickly out of the blocks and bowling along at the head of affairs.

The Moyglare Stud-owned filly quickened up early in the straight, catching her opponents out, and looked set to win decisively a furlong down.

Palace, who trainer Aidan O'Brien told the stewards was showing signs of coming into season in the parade ring before the off, got going in the dying strides but Afternoon Sunlight clung on well.

Weld said: "She's a brave and genuine filly and it was an excellent ride by Pat. We had agreed those tactics beforehand. She quickened and she battled well.

"We'll have to think about the Irish 1,000 Guineas, but we'll see how she comes out of this race first.

"She's exceptionally well bred and a mile and a quarter could well be her optimum trip in time."

Weld and Smullen had earlier landed the Amethyst Stakes with Mustajeeb.