Dorset Square justified his short price when running out a cosy winner of the John Madden & Sons Handicap at Ballinrobe. Playdate made a bold bid from the front but was grabbed inside the final furlong. Apache Drums hit the front briefly but 6/5 favourite Dorset Square soon pounced under Pat Smullen to land the spoils.
The Willie Mullins-trained gelding was value for more than the two-length winning margin.
The winner had been a big improver over hurdles for the yard in the 09-10 season and came into this off a lowly mark of 52 on the level.
"He had to wait for his opportunity but picked up well. He looked well in on his hurdle form," said Smullen afterwards.
The winner could turn out again quickly as he holds entries in two races at Tipperary on Thursday.
