Saponara claims Kilbeggan opener

Saponara relished the fast conditions at Kilbeggan as she ran out a cosy winner of the opener at the midlands track tonight.

Bryan Cooper sent his mount to the front three from home and she soon poached a few lengths. Time Machine tried to rally before the second last but never looked likely to get on terms as Dessie Hughes' charge went on for a ten-length verdict.

"The ground made all the difference to her. She won on firm ground in Limerick before we bought her," said Hughes.