Gobi Star off the mark for Lynam

The 9/4 favourite Gobi Star landed the Madri Exceptional Maiden under Chris Hayes.

Just touched off in a similar contest over course and distance earlier this month, Eddie Lynam's 67-rated gelding got a good tow into the business end of the contest from Aurora Nova and took that one's measure by half a length. Greek Flower badly hampered when coming with her challenge over a furlong out, was another length and three quarters back in third.

Chris Hayes said: "He was unfortunate, a bob of the head the last day.

"It was something similar today and probably the slower ground again even helped.

"He has been rock-solid and consistent all year through, he deserved that.

"He will have to mix it in handicaps now, but I think he will be capable."

Quotes from Michael Graham