Awtaad has connections looking to the spring

"He came on well and is a nice horse. I think he could be a group horse hopefully," said Kevin Prendergast after his Awtaad came forward in most pleasing fashion from his debut third placing to land the Tote Quickpick Now Available E.B.F. (C & G) Maiden under Chris Hayes at Leopardstown.

The well-backed 11/8 favourite hit the front a furlong out, after tracking the leaders, and went on to see off Ballydoyle newcomer Bravery by two lengths.

"He has plenty of gears. I'd say we'll be looking at a mile at the moment, and I wouldn't try and chance him over any further," added Prendergast.

"We'll see in the early part of next season where we go. He'll probably run in one of the Guineas trials. I'll talk to the boss (owner Hamdan Al Maktoum) and see what he says but that's the idea.

"He travels very very easily and has another gear. Hopefully we can find another one!"

(GC & EM)