Talk In The Park (green) © Photo Healy Racing
The Ross O'Sullivan-trained Talk In The Park justified 11/8 favouritism in the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle.
The six-year-old was pushed along before the second-last by Tom Harney but came through to lead after the last to beat Charlie's Dilemma by two and three quarter lengths.
The winner did edge right early on the run-in and both Ollie La Ba Ba, and particularly Ashlia Dancer were tightened up on the rail with the latter lucky to stand up after colliding with the rail.
O'Sullivan said: "A good run the last day and I suppose he deserved to be the price he was.
"Loads of experience and I'd say when he came to us his work had been nice. I really fancied him the first day he ran and he ran terribly and was beaten 50 lengths on very heavy ground.
"His best runs have been on this surface and I presume that's what he likes - he was second the last day in Ballinrobe on good ground.
"I'd say the key to him probably nice ground so we will keep him going now for the summer, the fact that he is handling it well.
"He had a couple of real good runs with Mags (Mullins) and a real good run behind Harvard Guy in Navan one day. I spoke to Mags the other day and she thought the same that a nicer surface just helps him.
"He stays well and probably wants a trip, I'd say three miles is right up his alley. Today was even sharp enough for him - it didn't look plain sailing and I was getting nervous, but he won really well in the end.
"He'll be good fun for the summer and he might go to Galway."
Quotes from Michael Graham
