Saga edges thriller in two-miler

Saga Bolton just denied English raider Duchess Of Marmite in a head-bobbing finish to the two-mile handicap at Dundalk.

Tony Mullins' charge was well backed to secure his third success in four runs, returning a 9/2 shot having been 10/1 this morning.

Rory Cleary produced him to challenge over a furlong from home and he fought out the finish close home with Richard Hughes' raider, sent off the 9/2 favourite.

There was nothing between the pair in the dying strides with Saga Bolton just having his head down at the line to record a short-head victory.

"I'll see if we can quality him for the big staying race at Lingfield. We may have to travel to England as I think the Irish qualifying race is a bit close at the start of March,” said Mullins.

"I'd no doubt that he would stay the trip. He wears the blinkers as he just idles when he hits the front."

(Quotes by Alan Magee)