Pub Talk got up to land the seven furlong nursery in Down Royal by a head.

Colin Keane 's mount tracked the leaders and found plenty in the final furlong to hit the front close home in a bunch finish.

He was backed down to 3/1 joint favourite and pipped 18/1 shot Distillate Approaching Bear the other 3/1 joint favourite, had attempted to kick for home over a furlong out, but was collared in the closing stages and dropped a neck further back to third.

Trainer Noel Meade said: "He went a mile in Killarney which was too far and he went almost six in Navan which was too short, so we got it right in between!

"Colin said he got a bit intimidated by the horse and that it wasn't until he put his whip down he ran home.

"He thinks he would like Dundalk and fast surfaces."