Aspen Mountain strengthens up to collect

Punters got it right in the seven-furlong Big Bad Bob Maiden at Dundalk as Aspen Mountain led in the closing stages to justify strong support.

The David Wachman-trained colt, who appeared to find a mile too far on debut at Gowran, was on offer at 9/2 earlier in the day and popular again on track when backed into 2/1 (from 11/4).

Wayne Lordan 's mount came home strongly in a tight finish to beat Hasselnott by a neck, with well-backed 6/4 favourite Red Rannagh also staying on well just another neck away in third.

Lordan said, "He's a nice horse, and had a nice run the first day in Gowran. He was a bit weak and David gave him a chance afterwards.

"We thought he would have no problem winning one up here. He's still a bit weak so he'll probably get a break and come back for the grass.

"They went a nice even gallop and it felt like they quickened up and finished out well. He can only beat what is around him.

"He's a horse that we like and a horse that we'll look forward to next summer."

(GC & AM)