Skontonovski on top in bunch finish

The Ado McGuinness-trained Skontonovski just prevailed in a bunch finish to the mile handicap at Dundalk.

Colin Keane produced the 12/1 shot to challenge inside the final furlong but after getting to the front in the closing stages he just held on. Super Over flashed home and was just denied by a nose as Elzaam Blue also finished off well on the outer, a head further back at the line.

Skontonovski was recording his fifth win for connections.

Assistant trainer Stephen Thorne said: "He (Colin Keane) has been brilliant on him. Ronan (Whelan) is obviously in Dubai. He's a tricky ride and has to be played late but he is a solid horse in the grade.

"He was picked up for something like six grand last July and the lads are having fun, that's his fifth win since we bought him last July.

"He has deserved a little break now before we freshen him up. We'll target something nice on the turf with him."

On the stable's seven runners in the Irish Lincoln tomorrow, he said: "You couldn't rule any of them out. We are optimistic as they are all premier handicap horses and they are all proven at that level.

"There's nothing with a stone in hand but they are all rock-solid horses and hopefully they will run well.

"For me, overall, Saltonstall is the class horse in the race. He is going to need luck in running. I think the drying ground will suit him."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)