Alsium holds off gambled on Cape

The Paul Deegan trained, Chris Hayes ridden Alsium kept on best to beat the gambled on favourite Cape Of Approval in the Irish Field Maiden over six furlongs.

The 3yo daughter of Invincible Spirit was having just her second career start today and her first on the Turf after finishing fourth on her debut at Dundalk last month behind Exhortation. Cluin Aine finished third in that Dundalk contest and re-opposed today however Alsium managed to reverse the form with that one who finished fifth at 7/1.

Having tracked the leaders in the early stages, Alsium came with her challenge approaching the final furlong.

She then gained a narrow lead inside the final furlong over the 2/1 favourite (opened 9/2 on course) Cape Of Approval and she maintained that advantage all the way to the line to score by a neck.

Morning favourite Flying Doha finished a further two lengths back in third under Billy Lee for David Wachman at 7/2.

The winner was returned at 7/1 having drifted from her morning price of 4/1 and her opening price on track of 13/2.

Winning trainer Paul Deegan said afterwards: "She is a well bred filly. Mr Higgins (the winning owner) has been very patient. She is not over big and she needed a bit of time. She will be better next year.

"The ground was soft enough for her and when she got to the front she pricked her ears.

"She had a nice first run at Dundalk and she strengthened and sharpened up for that. She is going the right way.

"She got a little hot at the start but she was professional during the race and I hope there is more to come.

"We won’t be afraid to drop her back to five furlongs but we will see how she takes this race and she how she is on physically and mentally."

Donal Murphy & Gary Carson