Great Oak scores from Saint Gervais with Drive Time hidden on inner© Photo Healy Racing
Great Oak continued in great form to land the spoils in the amateur race at Killarney.
Rachel Blackmore gave the Dushyantor mare a strong drive to get on top at the furlong pole and record a half-length victory in the 2m1f contest.
Harrison Cave had taken over from front-runner Star Neuville four furlongs out but folded tamely when headed at the two pole.
1/2 shot Drive Time was ridden to lead there but was soon tackled by Great Oak and couldn't hold the mare, who led at the furlong pole.
John Nicholson 's charge stuck on well in the closing stages as Saint Gervais stayed on strongest, getting up for second near the line but failing to peg back the winner.
The winner has been in great form this summer, scoring twice over fences and also taking a maiden on the Flat at Tramore last time.
She had attracted some support this morning, from 16/1 into 7/1, but was easy to back on course and returned 10/1.
"She's a super mare and she's going from strength to strength all the time," said Nicholson.
"She's just taken time to come to herself. I've been a long time trying to get a good mare and by God I have one now!
"After she won over fences we decided to get a mark for her on the Flat and the Cesarewitch is her target.
"We won the race three times with Bigaroon (trainer by his father Tom to score in 1970, 71 & 73).
"She'll go for a conditions chase at Galway before that and we probably won't do a whole lot with her between now and then.
"Rachel gave her a great ride and is a big help coming in to ride work for me."
(On course reporting by Alan Magee)
