Hestian bounced back to winning ways to land a competitive nursery at Dundalk this evening.
There were plenty in with chances at the furlong pole, in the five furlong contest, as well backed 11/8 favourite Limetree Lady (from 3/1 in morning) hit the front.
She couldn't hold the late challenge of Hestian, however, who came with a strong surge to lead inside the final furlong.
Shane Gray kept the Tommy Stack-trained colt up to his work to record a three-parts-of-a-length victory over the fast finishing Chocolate Hills
Limetree Lady faded to finish fourth while one of the other leading contenders An Ghalanta was outpaced early before staying on into fifth.
The 8/1 winner had won well on his debut at Naas before finishing down the field in a prestigious sales race at York.
"York was a disaster. He couldn't walk on the ground," revealed Fozzy Stack.
"He missed the kick today and did well to come through - so it was a smartish performance.
"I'm not sure he'll get six as he's from the Lochsong family and they don't get very far.
"I'm not sure where he'll go next as there aren't a lot of sprint races at this time of year and he wants fast ground."
The stewards held an enquiry after the third-placed Srucahan found himself short of room with over a furlong to run. It did not effect the winner. Leigh Roche jockey on board Srucahan received a two day ban for 'improper riding'.
Gary Carson
