Testing conditions on a murky evening at Tipperary played nicely to the strengths of Whatuthink as the smart hurdler made all in the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association Race.
With the assistance of Johnny Murtagh in the saddle, the Oliver McKiernan-trained seven-year-old never saw another rival in the mile-and-six-furlong contest as he obliged by six lengths from Wright Flyer as the 10-11 favourite.
Sixth behind Big Buck's in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham last time out, he was having his first run on the Flat and this was a great piece of placing by connections.
McKiernan said: "I'm happy with that. We'll go for the Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival next and hopefully the ground will be a bit better there."< Lastkingofscotland (8-1) found the winning post coming in just in time as he made a timely winning debut in the Breeze-Up Bonus European Breeders' Fund Maiden.
Fran Berry's mount held a nice advantage heading into final furlong but the Charles O'Brien-trained 8-1 chance was all out to repel Castor by a short-head at the line.
The winner was running in the colours of O'Brien's father, the legendary Vincent O'Brien, who was celebrating his 92nd birthday.
Charles O'Brien said: "He's a nice little horse, I didn't think he'd know enough to win first time out. I'm not really too sure where to go next, we'll probably stick to handicaps with him."
Jim Bolger is enjoying a fine start to the campaign and hit the mark again as Three Rocks (4-9 favourite) recorded an easy success under Kevin Manning in the Captain Marvelous Race.
Win number two on the card was not long in coming for the Bolger team, although this time it was 25-1 chance Filista who won going away under Davy Moran in the Ballyhane Stud Fillies Maiden.
Her stablemate Buiochas Mor was sent off the even-money favourite but had no more to give as the runners approached the furlong pole.
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