Rocket far too hot for Fairyhouse rivals

Hotrocket justified favouritism in emphatic style when quickening up impressively to win the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Fairyhouse.

The John Murphy trained son of Starspangledbanner had caught the eye on his sole juvenile start last year and improved to finish second at Listowel on his reappearance last month.

Sent off market leader here, he always looked to have manners in hand under a confident ride from Colin Keane.

Tracking the leaders in fifth early on, he was produced with a well run over a furlong out and scooted right away to win easily.

“He did that well. He had a good run the last day and he probably would have come forward from that, I'd say he'll come forward again,” said Keane.

“He's a grand, very likeable horse, and will go a bit further and handle a bit slower ground.

“It's nice to get a winner for John and George. They've had a hard time of it this year so far so hopefully this is the sign of things to come for them.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson