O'Brien Snaffles an across-the-card brace

Snaffles (11/1) sealed an across-the-card double for Joseph O'Brien when obliging in the Listed Star Appeal Stakes in Dundalk.

He was never far from the pace in this seven-furlong test and came with his challenge at the furlong pole.

He held a slight lead with 150 yards to go and kept on well for Shane Crosse to improve his record to two from three.

King X J finished with a flourish three quarters of a length away in second. Markaz Paname rounded out the placings a neck away in third at 10/3.

Assistant trainer Brendan Powell said: “It was a lovely performance. I think he should be unbeaten as first time out he was slowly away, got into all sorts of trouble and ran on well.

“Last time at Down Royal he was very laid-back but went and did it well in the end, he learned from that.

“I think he'll keep improving, if you saw him in the paddock before he's literally asleep. He's the most laid-back horse you'll ever get. I think there is so much improvement.

“He's a tall, sparely made horse but a good-looking horse and I think he has a very bright future.

“They've all come to him today and Shane said he's just doing enough in front because he's having a look at the stands and the whole lot.

“He's very genuine, will stay a mile very well and could stay further as he's so laid-back.” Vultan won over hurdles at Gowran Park for O'Brien today.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson