Abstraction too hot for rivals in opener Abstraction burned off his rivals from the front when landing the opening five furlong maiden at Dundalk this evening. Ronan Whelan was keen to lead on the Majestic Missile colt and he proved too strong for his rivals down the straight. Sarah Dawson's charge kept on strongly when asked for an effort over a furlong out and went on for a cosy three-and-a-quarter length success at 6/1 (from 15/2). 33/1 shot Tylery Wonder kept on inside the final furlong to grab the runner-up spot just head of 15/8 favourite In Salutem. The gamble of the race, Elastomer (10/1 in morning into 11/4), had chased the winner after being headed early but could only finish fourth. Abstraction was reversing form with In Salutem, who had finished in front of him when the pair were second and third behind Scrapper Blackwell here at the start of the month. Dawson, who was training her first winner at the track, said afterwards:- "In fairness Seamie Heffernan said he should have made more use of him the last time. When you get titbits like that it's invaluable. "Ronan did a brilliant job to get him over from stall 11 and couldn't have done it any better. "He just loved the pace of the race here and he'll maybe have a wee break now." Italian owner Natalia Lupini came to Ireland to travel and gain some work experience and bought the winner, her first ever horse, for just €6,000 at Goresbridge breeze-up sales. (Additional reporting by Michael Graham)
