St Stephens Green and Pat Smullen prevail© Photo Healy Racing
When they fanned out in the straight towards the business end of the two mile Free Tips Daily On attheraces.com Maiden many still held claims. Favourite St Stephens Green produced the most when it mattered though, to get the job done in race two at Dundalk.
It may have been that a sedate looking pace saw the field stay together for as long as it did. Sweet-travelling second market choice The Invisible Dog threatened big danger to St Stephens Dog but half a length split them at the line.
"It's great to get his confidence back after a very disappointing run over hurdles last time," said winning trainer Emmet Mullins.
"That definitely opens up a lot more doors for the summer. He'll definitely have a mixed campaign between Flat and hurdles and hopefully it'll be fruitful.
"The only problem now is we don't know where to go next. No plans but plenty of options.
"I'd imagine potentially he could go to Galway but as regards hurdles or Flat I couldn't tell you, hopefully he'll get there."
(GC & EM)