Gary Carroll opened up a bit of daylight at the top of the apprentice race when moving two clear courtesy of Sampers in the conditions race at Dundalk. Calm Bay cut out the running in the six furlong contest but couldn't hold the late charge of Michael Halford's filly.

The daughter of Exceed And Excel got to the front inside the final furlong and kept on well to score by a length-and-a-quarter from the pace-maker.

"We went home yesterday licking our wounds after three seconds and a close third," said Halford.

"That's a help to him (Carroll). He works very hard and is a hell of a good rider. It would be nice if he could go on and win it.

"It's a hard thing for a 3lb claimer to do, riding all year with just the 3lb, especially against a good crop.

"This mare deserved that as she's been consistent. She acts on that surface well.

"We might try her again next season. It would be great to get some blacktype. There is a race for her here next Friday and she might come back for that."