Ascending justified strong market support, as he routed his rivals in the feature at Dundalk this evening, the William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap.

Briefly available at 6/4 in early shows for this two-mile heat, the Henry de Bromhead-trained five-year-old eventually went off the clear favourite at 2/5.

Settled in mid-division by Billy Lee, the Chris Jones-owned bay took closer order with over four furlongs to go and eased to the front early in the straight.

Ridden over a furlong out, he quickly stretched clear and had nine lengths to spare at the line.

The Peter Lawlor-trained Joupe (16/1) finished second under Wayne Hassett, while the easy to back Persian Bliss (10/1 from 3s early) was four and a half lengths back in third.

"Henry was just keen to try him over it (two miles), just that it would open options for next year for those good handicaps and that, I suppose," Lee commented.

"He's a horse with a lovely cruising speed, he lobbed along all the way around.

"When we quickened turning in, I was always comfortable. I knew he would stay well.

"It was a good performance - probably not the strongest of races, so hopefully the handicapper doesn't overreact just because he has won nine lengths.

"He's a nice horse and, hopefully, the aim now will probably be nice pots.

"I'd say he is very versatile (trip-wise), he has a lovely cruising speed."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham