Mica Malpic (far side) leads Bitview Colin over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Enda Bolger recorded his fourth winner of the month, as his Mica Malpic justified favouritism in the Adare Handicap Chase.
Fitted with cheekpieces for the first time and upped in trip, the French bred gelding was sent off the 10/3 favourite, having finished fourth on his most recent outing at Kilbeggan.
Settled towards rear of mid-division by Luke Dempsey, the chestnut victor wasn't fluent at times, but took closer order from third last.
Pushed along to challenge before the next, he gained a narrow advantage at the last and kept on well under pressure from there to score by three lengths in the colours of JP McManus. Bitview Colin (7/1) finished second under Danny Mullins for John Ryan, while Steps Match (33s early, returned 14s) was another two-and-a-quarter lengths back in third.
"He is only five and is learning his trade the whole time," Bolger said.
"He loves that nice ground and Luke (Dempsey) said he locked-on to the bridle after the third last and I was happy where he was coming down the hill.
"We were rated 95 and he'll go up for winning but today was the plan and he hopefully he will be able to run in a 0-102 the next day."
Tickets went on sale this morning for three Bruce Springsteen concerts in Dublin next year and the super-fan added: "You should have seen my phone this morning - people must think I'm (music promoter) Peter Aiken!"
STEWARDS REPORT
P.J. O'Hanlon, rider of Trickey Trix trained by Dermot Anthony McLoughlin, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled throughout this race.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
