Cougar Ridge a newcomer from David Wachman’s yard, impressed when taking the opening six furlong two-year-old auction maiden at Leopardstown by two and three parts of a length.

The imposing son of Johannesburg picked up the running over a furlong out in the hands of Billy Lee and wasn’t extended in beating his six rivals comfortably.

The favourite opened at 7/4 at the track and was supported down to 5/4 to continue Wachman’s good run of form.

“He’s a nice horse. He’s still a bit green and babyish,” jockey Billy Lee said afterwards.

Angela’s Dream came home second for Ger Lyons and Niall McCullagh. This one was weak in the market, drifting out to 7/2 from an opening show of 9/4.

It was another four and three parts of a length to Chips Are Down in third at 5/1. He was backed in from 7/1 for Michael Mulvany and Pat Smullen.

Michael Graham