The paddypower.com Handicap Chase at Cork on Saturday is likely to prove a significant trial for the Galway Plate, with the first three home all intended runners in the Ballybrit feature.
Moscow Express and Nicholls Cross - first and third in the Plate last year - had to settle for the minor money here behind the trail-blazing lightweight Duinin. Philip Carberry let the hard-pulling mare stride on with over a circuit to go, and she had plenty in hand in the closing stages to beat Moscow Express by two and a half lengths. Nicholls Cross spoilt his chance with a number of mistakes finishing a further nine lengths adrift in third.
Winning trainer Pat Hughes may give the six-year-old another run before the Plate, while Frances Crowley nominated a conditions chase at Killarney as a likely preliminary for Moscow Express. Nicholls Cross is likely to take in the Plate trial at Tipperary enroute to Galway.
Aidan O'Brien completed a rare mixed double, with the juvenile Bargello and hurdler Hang'em High. Bargello, soundly beaten when odds-on on his debut at Tipperary, was much better suited by the fast ground here in the opening EBF Maiden. 'He will be stepped up to a Listed race next time,' said O'Brien.
Hang'em High took a walk in the market (2/1 to 4/1) before the Carbon Group Maiden Hurdle but belied the lack of confidence when scoring in fine style under Pat Colville. The Supreme leader gelding led before four out, and was eased on the run-in to beat Dark Trojan by a length.
