Boats cruises home in opener

Burn The Boats proved a cut above his rivals as he sauntered to an easy success in the opening claiming maiden at Dundalk this evening.

Ger Lyons' charge was making a return from a 562-day absence having made just one start as a two-year-old.

He had been well fancied for his debut but was reported to have lost his action during the race and had been absent since.

There was support for him before racing as he was backed from 9/4 into as short as 5/4. He opened 6/4 on track and after an initial drift was returned 5/4 favourite.

Emmet McNamara had few worries on the Big Bad Bob gelding as he cruised up to challenge two furlongs from home.

He quickened away when given an inch of rein a furlong out and skipped clear in the closing stages for a five-length success over market rival Diamond Daze (11/8).

“He's had his issues and because of the injury he had the owner didn't want to persevere,” said Lyons.

“We brought him back with a view to winning a little race here. He's done it well but it was a poor race.

“In my opinion there are not enough claimers here and if someone claims him they are welcome to him.

"If he hadn't run here there isn't a suitable maiden here for him until February."

There were four claims of €20,000 for the winner with one of Lyons' principal owners Sean Jones successful. Sterling Cooper a 10/1 shot (25/1 in morning), was withdrawn after running loose and there was a 5 cent deduction to board prices.

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)