Claw justifies the confidence of his backers

Having tumbled in from bigger quotes earlier in the day, 3/1 chance Five Claw followed the lead of opening winner, Majestic Timeline by making all in the Elusive Pimpernel Maiden at Dundalk.

Once favourite Song Of Love was pulled out to go in pursuit of the Conor Hoban ridden Five Claw, he wanted to edge back left and certainly didn't help his rider Donnacha O'Brien.

It was clear in the final furlong that Five Claw would maintain his advantage from the 9/10 'jolly,' a task the Michael Halford-trained winner achieved by two lengths.

"He's a lovely horse and he ran a bit keen on his debut at the Curragh. He ran with the choke out," explained Halford.

"We decided to give him some time and he moved really well on that surface.

"He's a lovely big long striding horse-a big imposing type.

"There didn't look to be pace in the race so I said to Conor to go on with him.

"He has plenty of pace and he has such a stride that he gets horses off the bridle.

"Conor said he went to the start very green but then he switched on.

"We'll see how much improvement there is in him and we'll take small steps."

Meanwhile on yesterday's Meydan second Eastern Rules Halford said: "He ran a blinder and I'm thrilled with him considering it was his first run in six months.

"Seven furlongs on the turf is his trip. There's a race for him there in a couple of week's time."

D.P. McDonogh, rider of A Few Dollars More trained by Andrew Slattery, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount suffered accidental interference approaching the 1st bend causing him to check for a stride.

(MG & EM)