Belisarius finished behind a Manduro colt on his debut when fifth behind Mandatario at Gowran and he again found one of that French-based stallion's sons too good when going down to Ebasani when the strongly-backed 4/9 favourite at Navan today.

Joseph O'Brien (bidding for a treble) found himself with a mountain to climb early in the straight on Belisarius, a long way out of his ground. The Montjeu colt did eventually get the message and ran on to finish a length off the Aga Khan-owned, John Oxx-trained Ebasani (9/1) at the line.

Representing Oxx, Jimmy 'Slim' O'Neill said of the Declan McDonogh-ridden winner: "He's a promising horse and he wasn't completely wound up.

"We weren't sure if he'd handle the ground. He handled it but I'd say he'd be much better on better ground.

"He travelled well and he showed a bit of class." (AM & EM)