The Ger Lyons-trained Alto Sax showed a terrific attitude when edging a prolonged duel with Signor Ferrari in the ten furlong claimer at Fairyhouse.

The 9/4 joint-favourites settled down to battle it out from the two pole and it was Alto Sax who edged ahead in the closing stages to secure a half length success under Colin Keane.

It was a second claimer success for the Saxon Warrior gelding, who had opened his account at Roscommon 10 days ago.

“He's just learning on the job and he's going to mature,” said Lyons.

“His future is in front of him and he's put in at a claiming price, but since the McAuleys have stopped claiming we're in a bit of no man's land!

“He gets the trip and he should do a nice summer hurdling job for somebody.

“If he's not claimed it'll be more of the same. He needs the blinkers as he just got there and parked but, as Colin said, in his own grade he's a grand horse.”

The winner was claimed by Bernadette Leigh, to be trained by Peter Fahey.

John Bolan claimed the fifth placed Sylkie to be trained by Danny Howard.