Answered proves class act

Answered quickened up impressively to run out a cosy winner of the Listed Martin Molony Stakes at Limerick this afternoon.

The Jim Bolger-trained colt, carrying the Godolphin colours, was sent off the 9/10 favourite in the mile-and-a-half contest and was held up behind the leaders in the early stages.

Front-runner Highly Toxic tried to kick turning for home but had no answer when the hotpot swooped a furlong from home.

Kevin Manning 's mount soon asserted inside the final furlong and went on to post a five-and-a-half length success. Waltzing Matilda stayed on to grab the runner-up spot close home.

Answered was recording back-to-back Listed successes having landed the Trigo Stakes at Leopardstown last October.

He had missed a big part of last season due to injury after performing well in two of the leading Derby trials early in the campaign.

"Kevin was delighted with him and said he travelled very easily through the race," said Bolger's travelling head lad Ger Flynn.

"That was his first time running over a mile and a half and Kevin said he's a very versatile horse who trip isn't an issue for and can drop back to 1m2f.

"He showed us again today what he has been showing us at home."

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)