Baglioni a promising second on his debut at the course last month, went one better with a brave effort in the opener at Dundalk today.

Keagan Latham produced his mount to challenge inside the final furlong and he ground down Stand And Fight despite receiving a smack on the nose from his rivals whip, to get up by half a length.

"That was grand in spite of the few smacks he got. He's a brave horse," said winning trainer Ger Lyons.

"He's a horse I like but he's far from the finished article. He's going to want seven furlongs and from August on will be a lovely horse.

"I had no intention of running him back over five but after looking at what I had for this race decided to let him take his chance. I fancied him strongly but the trip was a worry."