Air Commander battles back under Moore to shed maiden tag

Those that took the short odds about Air Commander had a couple of anxious moments to contend with before the race favourite quickened up close home to win the Dundalk Stadium Open All Summer Maiden.

Pushed along early by Ryan Moore to lead from stall 12, everything looked to be going to plan for the Aidan O'Brien trained colt as he let his 13 rivals into the straight.

However, as Colin Keane loomed up alongside on Apricot Ice Moore began to push away to hold his position. The Ger Lyons trained filly led over a furlong out but Moore had yet to go for his stick on the 4-7f.

Getting back upsides Apricot Ice over 100 yards out, Moore found extra to edge ahead for a rather comfortable looking half-a-length win.

Stable representative Chris Armstrong said: "He had a lovely run first time out in Gowran and things just didn't happen for him at Galway.

"He has wintered well, he has still got a lot to learn and has got to come on mentally.

"He has options, he could be one for the Blackwater Handicap at Naas in a couple of weeks. We'll just take him baby steps and see how he progresses.

"Ryan gave him a very good ride and the race just presented itself at the right time to start him off. It was obviously on the short side but, once he steps up in trip, we'll see improvement.

"It will (battle will stand to him this season) and the second horse has good enough form, and it is probably a good enough maiden for this time of year.

"He'll definitely go up to a mile next start and he could end up being a mile and a-quarter horse. At least those are all options for him to have."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham.