Cross Border travel is frictionless for Ryan

The consistent Cross Border owned and trained by Eddie Lynam, got his turn in the opening maiden.

Rated 68 and taking on mostly younger rivals, the blinkered Expert Eye gelding tracked the leaders travelling well and got a nice tow into the five-furlong contest.

James Ryan sent the 11/4 chance to the front just inside the furlong marker and he ran on well to account for Soldiers Design by half a length.

Eddie Lynam said: "People call him this, that and the other - he's probably not 100 per cent straightforward, but he's very consistent.

"According to the handicapper, he wouldn't be in the first three today. He was giving weight to a filly (Smart Impression) rated 74, and was carrying a big weight.

"Five or six (furlongs) I think is no problem.

"Look, it is good to get the win. I think he had run eight times - he was down the field the first day, then he was fourth, then in the next six runs he had three seconds and three thirds."

Quotes from Michael Graham