Waterford & Tramore Directors S´chase of €14,000.00 5-y-o plus 2m. 6f.

1st - €9,674.00, 2nd - €2,380.00, 3rd - €1,120.00, 4th - €700.00 10 Ran

The money came for Le Toscan (11/8 to 4/6f) here but he was out-battled by Optimus Prime after the pair had it between them on the final circuit.

The winner was soon in front and appeared to set a strong pace. He was joined by Le Toscan before the ninth and the pair proceeded to swap the lead before the eventual runner-up went on before the second last.

He failed to maintain his momentum, however, and was claimed again after the second last with Optimus Prime finding more to land the spoils.

Adrian Maguire revealed that they had taken their time with the Anshan gelding after he received a bang on the leg, when trying to avoid a faller, at Limerick over Christmas.

He appreciates better ground and Maguire will see how he comes out of this before deciding if he goes to Punchestown.

Le Toscan was best in at the weights with 4lb in hand of the winner off a mark of 129, but just couldn't pull clear of his rival when sent for home.

Letterman (rated 128) was a drifter (3/1 to 9/2) but wasn't beaten far in the end. He was under pressure in third before two out and although never looking likely to get to the leaders stayed on in the closing stages.

Bemo Two, who tracked the leaders, was beaten after three out and kept on one paced for a moderate fourth while Kirkstall made up some ground three out to go a never dangerous fifth.