Caesar's Comet with James Gough and trainer James McAuley, right © Photo Healy Racing
James McAuley fired three darts at the opening claimer in Bellewstown and it was his Caesar's Comet who struck at 18/1.
The seven-year-old gelding raced in mid-division under Shane Foley in this extended mile race.
The pair angled out for a run inside the final quarter of a mile and made stealthy headway over a furlong from home.
The progression continued as they came through to pick off Drummond Warrior in the final 150 yards and kept on well to score by a length and three parts.
Drummond Warrior finished second at 20/1 by three quarters of a length from Navorrosse (4/1).
McAuley said: “He’s been in brilliant form for a good while now. The last day in Sligo was a mess as there was no stalls and Chris (Hayes) was ready to jump twice but they didn’t let them go and then third time he missed the break. It was a complete non-entity.
“This was the first time he’s got fast ground outside Dundalk since we’ve had him. We’d have been disappointed if he didn’t run well as he’s been working well.
“They are all in to be claimed (three runners). Approach The City cost two grand so if someone gives fifteen, let them on. If not he’ll go jumping after that.”
This was Caesar Comet's fifth career success.
There were a number of claims: Caesar's Comet (friendly claim €8,000), Pirate Lass (€8,000 to be trained by Mick Halford), Double Martini (€7,000 to be trained by John McConnell) and Drummond Warrior (€5,000 to be trained by Keith Watson).
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
