Fortuna Vera rattles home for Hassett

Fortuna Vera (3/1) appeared to be Joseph O'Brien's second string for the opening auction maiden over seven furlongs in Dundalk, but she didn't know that as she finished well to strike.

There was merit in her opening sixth over course and distance and she showed improvement today.

She was switched to make progress a quarter of a mile out and really found her stride in the final furlong to get up by a neck close home. Wait For It (at an easy-to-back) 12/1 was the horse collared at the business end and she was two-and-three-quarter-lengths clear of Fortuna Vera's stablemate, One Horse Town (13/8f).

Wayne Hassett said: "I was delighted to see my name beside her after the first day.

"She could step up in trip which I'd say would be happening.

"She is an exciting filly for next year."