Tobar stays on best to beat Unaccompanied

The lightly raced Tobar Na Gaoise for Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning stayed on best up the home straight to win the Book Online for Christmas Handicap beating the strong 13/8 favourite Unaccompanied

Having won his maiden over the course in July the son of Whipper since ran in three handicaps performing with credit to finish second and third at Gowran and Sligo before finishing a close ninth over the course last weekend behind Take It To The Max.

Running over 1m 2f today the 3yo clearly enjoyed the step up in trip from last weekend hitting the front a furlong from home before staying on well to beat Unaccompanied by two lengths at the odds of 10/1.

The runner-up, who was carrying a stone more than the winner, ran a great race on her first start since May for her trainer Dermot Weld with Pat Smullen aboard.

The well supported Azores (6/1 this morning into 7/2 at the off) ran well to take third on his handicap debut under Wayne Lordan while Puttore completed the placings a further head back in fourth at 14/1 under Declan McDonogh.

Winning trainer Jim Bolger said afterwards: "He's the right type to make a hurdler. He is proven on soft ground and I'd say he will be sold now. He won’t be up at Dundalk much over the winter."