Edward O'Grady's French import Kasimali struck form with avengence when landing the opening evening feature as the Bellewstown Festival got underway in testing conditions.
Robbie McNamara gave the 4yo a patient ride in the 1m6f amateur handicap, making smooth headway on the outer to lead inside the final furlong for a cosy half length verdict over the staying on Classic Croco.
'We bought him at the Arc sale last year but he's been very disappointing over hurdles. That's the first time he's had soft ground and he'll go for the GPT Handicap now at Galway,' said O'Grady.
Ballybrit is also on the agenda for Aldaher Beebers who benefitted from a positive ride by David Casey in the two and a half miles conditions hurdle.
Maurice Phelan's charge kept on well under pressure to beat Oscar Night by four lengths, so denying Paul Carberry a fairytale return to action after over two months on the sidelines with severe bruising to a leg.
'He will go for a two and a half miles novice at Galway, and he's a better horse on firm ground,' said Phelan.
Championship leader Pat Smullen moved onto the 40 winner mark for the season when Hum The Tune justified good support in the mile maiden.
The Khalid Abdullah home-bred was prominent throughout and stretched clear early in the straight to beat Duck Scary by four lengths.
Billy Lee needs just three more winners to lose his claim after partnering the Jarlath Fahey-trained Nanotech to an all the way victory in the sprint maiden.
He quickened clear from over a furlong out to beat Rostrevor by five lengths, and the Monasterevin handler will aim him next at a conditions race, saying, 'He's always shown alot of speed and probably needs a bit of cut in the ground.'
Princess Zoe and Cherry Picked were really the only two involved in the 5f juvenile maiden, the pair showing good speed throughout with the latter getting on top in the final furlong under Willie Supple.
'It was a good, game performance and the plan was to use her experience,' said trainer Ger Lyons.
He added, 'She's getting stronger all the time but I was surprised she was able to see it out on that ground. Hopefully she can go on and win a nursery.'
Spring Charm will bid for a quick follow up on the Flat over 1m6f back here on Saturday evening after defying top-weight in the three miles handicap hurdle.
The locally-trained mare jumped past The Hoodoo Remains at the final flight, and kept on well for Adrian Joyce to score by two lengths.
The concluding bumper proved a real stamina test in driving rain with newcomer Graces Choice (Patrick Mullins) reeling in clear leader Ferry Point to score by four lengths.
Alan Magee
