Bolger on the mark again with Mona

Jim Bolger’s team are in great order at present and, following on from an opening day four-timer on the turf at the Curragh last Sunday, the Coolcullen maestro was again on the mark with Mona Brown

The daughter of Dylan Thomas, successful over a mile here in November and reappearing after a three month break, always travelled strongly in the hands of Kevin Manning.

However those who supported the hooded four-year-old had a few anxious moments early in the straight as she appeared unlikely to get a run on the inner.

A gap eventually opened for the 3/1 second favourite and she quickly accepted the invitation to lead over a furlong out, staying on well to beat Wrekin Rock (11/2) by a length and three quarters.

The 7/4 favourite Lonan a bit reluctant to enter the starting stalls beforehand, kept on to take third a further neck adrift.

Ger Flynn, representing Bolger, said, “She was a little unlucky the last time, and likes it up here. The hood seems to be working.

“When she got the gap she fairly flew, and it’s nice to get another win out of her.”