McDonogh doubles up on Santa Monica

Declan McDonogh made it two from two in the opening couple of races at Dundalk this evening as he booted home Santa Monica in the fillies' maiden.

Charles O'Brien 's charge raced in fourth of the five runners before moving into third at the three pole. The 13/8 shot was pushed along to hit the front inside the final furlong and kept on strongly to win decisively by three and three quarter lengths. Saga Sprint (7/1) could make no impression on the winner but kept on for second. She finished half a length up on 6/4 favourite Live Twice

Charles O'Brien said: "I was a bit concerned as she was in season yesterday but just came out of it in time.

"She was probably entitled to win that on her form. She lost her way a bit at the end (of the season)."

"The objective is black type. She bounces off firm ground."

Santa Monica finished fourth in a Group Three at Leopardstown last July.