Cebuano made the break through in the first division of the ten furlong handicap at Dundalk.

Michael Halford 's former bumper performer had been runner-up six times in his career before today, including when losing out by a nose here last Thursday.

Shane Foley produced his mount with a well-timed run to claim Xsquared inside the final furlong and record a length-and-a-quarter success.

The winner had attracted support on course, backed from 5/2 into 2/1 favourite.

"He's gutsy and on the run the other day he's entitled to win one of these," said Halford.

"He enjoys the surface and is a good strong horse so he's well up to carrying the weight.

"If ever a horse deserved to win a race it's him. He's a little bit ground dependant and could be a lad for up here during the winter."