The Anvil proves class act

The Anvil powered clear in the closing stages to open his account in style at Dundalk and give Aidan O'Brien a double on the night.

Donnacha O'Brien was soon prominent on the 3/10 shot and he was in front at halfway.

The Galileo colt was ridden passing the two pole but started to motor inside the final furlong, pulling away for a cosy five-and-a-half length victory.

The winner had only been beaten a neck in the Group 2 Royal Lodge last season and came into the race with a rating of 109.

"He was entitled to do that off his rating, and a step up in trip will suit him well,” said the winning rider afterwards.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)