The John Murphy-trained Shared Ambition asserted in the closing stages to run out a convincing winner of the concluding ten furlong maiden at Down Royal.

The Born To Sea gelding finished sixth on his debut at Gowran Park last month and was sent off a 12/1 shot today to improve on that effort.

Robbie Colgan produced the gelding to challenge two furlongs from home and he was driven into the lead before the furlong pole. Wildewood tried to go with him but Shared Ambition kept on best inside the final furlong to record a length-and-three-quarter success.

The trainer's son and assistant George Murphy said: "He was very green the first day in Gowran where he missed the kick but we have always really, really liked him.

"He'll improve a lot, he was quite green again there today. We've liked him a lot and we have taken him slowly and I think there will be plenty more improvement in him.

"I quietly fancied him and I think there could be a big future in him. We always did think he was a very good horse.

"Actually I think he will improve again for a bit of better ground even though it is quickening up all through the day with the warm day."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)