Better days ahead for Clounmacon

Johnny Murtagh's Clounmacon readily delivered in the seven-furlong maiden on Dundalk's card.

The 6/4 favourite burst through to lead inside the final furlong and won going away by two lengths in the hands of Ben Coen.

Runner-up City Exile attracted support down to 18/1 and was a length in front of newcomer Banana Three (9/1).

Coen said: "She had very good form last year.

"She's a very talented filly and she enjoys being ridden like that.

"She has a good turn of foot and I think a mile would be no problem.

"She seems to have grown up from two to three and is one to look forward to for the year.

"I think the better the race, the better she'll be.

"She will probably go for a stakes race next, but she has loads of options."

Clounmacon holds an entry in the Irish 1,000 Guineas.