Eloquent Arthur (left) battles it out with Well Suited© Photo Healy Racing
A dual-winner in the UK when trained by Richard Hannon, Eloquent Arthur made the breakthrough on these shores, as he just came out on top in the first divide of the Gain The Advantage Series Handicap.
Fitted with a tongue-strap for the first time on what was his eighth start for Denis Hogan, the son of Sir Prancealot was sent off a 13/2 chance.
Settled in mid-division by Daniel King, the four-year-old made steady headway on the outer from early in the straight and was ridden in pursuit of the leader with less than two furlongs to go.
He got to the front-running Well Suited inside the final furlong and edged to the front in the last 100 yards, going on to prevail by a neck.
Leigh Roche was aboard Well Suited (20/1) for Thomond O'Mara, while Chilean (16/1) was another three-and three parts of a length back in third.
The Johnny Levins trained Aristovic was sent off the 13/8 favourite and he finished fourth.
"He was a bit unlucky in Galway the last day but I got a nice clear run today and when I asked him he picked up and did it nicely," King said.
"He travelled well the whole way and I always knew I'd get to the leader. It is great to get his head in front and he went well on that ground."
STEWARDS REPORTS
S.D. Bowen, rider of Jaafel trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was slowly away from the stalls and got no luck in running.
N.M. Crosse, rider of Chilean (GB), trained by Luke Comer, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran around in the straight.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
