Bashir Biyoum Zain could be Royal Ascot bound after landing a hat-trick at Dundalk tonight.

All five runners in the concluding seven-furlong contest were in with a shout inside the final furlong.

But it was Paul Deegan's charge who proved strongest close home to gain a neck success over Flameoftheforest

Only short-heads seperated the other runners in a bunch finish.

"He's got a lot of ability but he does absolutely nothing in front," said Deegan afterwards.

"The last time after he won I said I'd step him up in class and it's the same thing now.

"He could go for the Jersey Stakes or the Britannia Handicap (at Royal Ascot).

"He has a fair bit of class and I think the quicker they go the better as he can pick up off a strong gallop.

"He's a proper fast ground. He loves it and doesn't bend his knee."