Case Stated made virtually all to take the opener at Limerick, the Book Online At www.limerickraces.ie Claiming Race.

Third and fourth on his last two starts, the Willie McCreery trained son of Approve touched 8/1 on-course before going off a 5/1 chance in the colours of Mary O'Leary.

In front after a furlong, the bay victor was pushed along from two furlongs out, and kept on well under pressure from the furlong pole, going on to score by three parts of a length under seven pound claimer Nathan Crosse. Tennesse Waltz (6/1) finished second under Billy Lee for David Marnane, while the 6/4 favourite It's All A Joke was another neck back in third.

McCreery said afterwards: "He is honest out and tries his heart out. I have a few Approves and they are very honest and try hard and that's all you'd expect.

"Nathan gave him a very good ride and did exactly what I asked him to do. The claim was a huge help and he is a good rider."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes