For supporters of second favourite Handazan watching the concluding mile and a half Leopardstown Maiden was a most enjoyable experience in that from a long way out the contest was 'in the bag' barring accidents.

Johnny Murtagh made all on the five times previously tried son of Nayef and the Aga Khan colt has stamina in abundance as evidenced by this eight length demolition of favourite El Salvador

Winning trainer John Oxx said: "It's hard to know what to make of the form given the ground but he handled it well.

"We knew he'd handle an ease but he's a great mover and we didn't know if he'd go on that.

"He's improved on the track and in his home work. He's a big raw frame and he was always the type to improve in the summer.

"We'll take it one step at a time and we'll see what the handicapper does now.

"We'll maybe look at that race in Roscommon (the Listed Lenebane Stakes in the first half of next month) if there's a cut in the ground." (GC & EM)