Kodiac's Back highly consistent on the polytrack lately, and unlucky when second here last time, went in again when landing the Christmas Party Nights Apprentice Handicap at Dundalk. Artistic Integrity put it up to his six rivals from the front, but he couldn't fend off the Connor King-ridden Kodiac's Back, who got up by close home to prevail by a neck.

David Marnane has care of 13/8 favourite Kodiac's Back for McGettigans Management Services JLT.

Connor King remarked: "They didn't go that quick and I was always confident that I would pick up the leader. He's tough and will keep going here for the winter."

(AM & EM)