“Ben (Coen) was enquiring about the ride during the week, and I thought that was a tip in itself," revealed winning trainer Daniel McLoughlin in the aftermath of the Holden Plant Rentals Handicap at the Curragh as Bold Optimist got it done in race five at HQ.

The victor raced in mid-division early, and a patient Coen had him towards the rear at the halfway stage.

Bold Optimist made headway towards the near side but still had a lot to do a furlong out.

The McLoughlin runner was ridden and ran on well to lead inside the final furlong, beating Samrogue and Little Queenie by half a length and a nose.

“I took the cheekpieces off him as the last day it wasn’t until horses went past him that they caught his eye and he came back at them at the line," further explained McLoughlin.

“I’d say looking at that he’s plenty lazy as well. He gets the five well and hits the line hard.

“He’s in a 120,000 pound sprint in York in about 11 days and we’ll give it a go once he comes out this well.”

C.D. Hayes, rider of So Majestic trained by Miss Kate McGivern, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was slowly away from the stalls.

S. Foley, rider of Only Spoofing trained by Kevin Thomas Coleman, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount didn't let itself down on the ground.

(AM & EM)