Blue on his best behaviour 'up north'

Toccata Blue put memories of his 'bucking' display at the Curragh, firmly in the past, when landing the Value Cabs Rated Race at Down Royal under Emmet McNamara.

Ger Lyon's charge got to the front inside the final furlong and the roan son of Verglas kept going well enough to contain Great Soprano by half a length.

Toccata Blue was a 12/1 chance on the back of finishing a tailed off last at HQ on his previous start whilst Great Soprano shared favouritism at 7/2. The other joint market-leader, Phebes Wish pulled up quickly at halfway.

Lyons explained: "We knew he had ability. We could find nothing wrong with him after what he did at the Curragh but he works well and he wants top of the ground.

"When he won his maiden we were delighted so he's gone and won two now.

"I'm pleased for his owner, Damian Nolan – a Westmeath man living in France." (MG & EM)