Laureldean Cross strides in© Photo Healy Racing
Laureldean Cross sprang a 33/1 surprise in Roscommon's four-year-old bumper.
The son of Cape Cross was ideally berthed to strike at the leaders, just off the pace, as the field turned for home.
He was switched by Pa King to deliver his challenge down the inner, with less than a quarter of a mile to go, and took over from Big Jim Dwyer
The new leader was in charge at the furlong pole and was kept up to his work to see off Vartry Avenue (12/1) who put in good late work in second. There was a length between the pair at the winning post.
Big Jim Dwyer (7/1 - 9/2) was half a length away in third.
“He's a grand horse, he needs nice ground. The ground was too soft for him the other day,” said trainer Sam Curling.
“He's a big rhythmed horse but I told Derek to ride him differently the last day because of the ground. He likes going along like that.
“He'll be a grand horse and he'll win on the Flat too. I'd say he'll be sold now.”
Laureldean Cross finished eighth on debut in a bumper at Bellewstown last week.
The 3/1 favourite, Weseekhimhere went for an audacious run up the inner turning in and hit a wing. He was eased down by Jamie Codd once his chance had gone.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
