Media Puzzle justified 3-1 favouritism to land the £50,000 Ulster Harp Lager Derby at Down Royal today.
The Dermot Weld-trained three-year-old had finished seventh behind Sinndar in the Budweiser Irish Derby at the Curragh last time and enjoyed this drop down to Listed Handicap company.
Pat Smullen settled the colt in midfield as Common Kris and then Fable cut out a strong pace.
The winner made smooth progress to stalk the leaders with four furlongs to travel and was poised to pounce as Common Kris regained the lead approaching the final turn.
Hitting the front a furlong out, Media Puzzle forged clear to beat Common Kris (10-1) by two and a half lengths.
Via Rodeo, a 20-1 chance, finished third.
Earlier in the day the Declan Gillespie-trained Reve Russe landed the £15,000 EBF Coolmore Stud Ulster Oaks Fillies Handicap.
The Johnny Murtagh-ridden 6-1 chance defeated Siamsa by a head.
