Kastasa continued her progression with a hard-fought success in the  Irish Stallion Farms EBF Vintage Tipple Stakes at Gowran.

Dermot Weld’s filly was an easy winner of a Group Three on her previous run,  and was carrying a penalty back in Listed company.

That victory, though, came more than 300 days ago – and she was giving away race fitness to all of her rivals.

Oisin Orr tracked a course to the near rail – and once she had seen off Ger Lyons’ Heliac, who was keen in the early stages, Kastasa poked her head in front.

The 6-4 favourite had to be kept up to her work as Nan Yehi kept her honest, but Kastasa was always holding her and won by three-quarters of a length – with Traisha third.

“It was her first run back,” said Weld.

“She had a very busy and highly successful year last year, and the plan had always been to start her today.

“She’ll go for the Stanerra, in about three weeks’ time, a Group Three at Naas.

“The race wasn’t really run to suit her there, but class is class. She’ll improve from that run too.

“Horses like her usually don’t win impressively or by big distances, but they keep winning.

“The Irish Leger could be quite possible for her, long-term.”