Forge Meadow gave Jessica Harrington and Robbie Power a big-race double at Gowran Park with a resolute victory in the Red Mills Trial Hurdle.
The 7-4 chance put the pace to the race but looked beaten when headed by a rejuvenated Identity Thief.
He could not put it to bed, though, and Forge Meadow stuck her head down and answered every question asked of her by Power, getting back up by a length and a half.
The Grade Three event had been weakened by the defection of Mick Jazz, who was a non-runner due to a temperature.
Harrington and Power also teamed up to land the Red Mills Chase with Cheltenham Gold Cup contender Our Duke.
Harrington said: "She was a bit slow jumping the second-last, but the other one didn't get away from her and she winged the last.
"She puts her head down and loves galloping. She'll go two and a half on better ground, but she won't go to Cheltenham as she doesn't travel. She went there last year and she melted.
"We'll go to Fairyhouse and Punchestown with her. There is a mares' Grade One at Punchestown and she could run in a Grade Two at Fairyhouse.
"She won a Listed race early on (this season) and then to come back after finishing second twice is fantastic. She is her own madam and has to go down to the gallops first at home. When she wants to go she has to go and you can't wait."