"He's improving and I'd say it wasn’t a bad race. He's a nice horse. He's not doing things properly yet but he's getting there and improving with the runs," said David Marnane after the Martin McHale-owned and Connor King-ridden Alfredo Arcano took the opening Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Race (Plus 10 Race).

The Arcano gelding (4/1 into 2/1 joint favourite) reversed form from a fortnight earlier on better terms with Duplication travelling best before seeing out the job by a neck from his old rival.

"He's just a busy horse, although not at home - he's brilliant at home.  I think he'll still improve a good bit more mentally," added Marnane.

"There is a six furlong winners race back here in January. We'll have a look at that with a view to maybe going to Dubai for the Meydan Classic Trial.  I'd have to see him over six to warrant going there.

"He's going to go forward.  We'll bring him back and if he handles the six well we might think about bringing him to Dubai."

(GC & EM)