Dandridge takes opener in style

Dandridge won as his price suggested he might when claiming the opener at Galway in some style.

David Casey had the 4/6 favourite to the fore throughout in the two-miler and he kicked on after the second last.

The Arthur Moore-trained gelding wasn't great at the final flight but soon recovered his composure and could afford to ease home in the closing stages for a four-and-three-quarter length victory over Rocky Court

The Ronnie Bartlett-owned winner was opening his account having been runner-up on his previous two starts in bumpers.

“I was half tempted to go for another bumper but he needs to go jumping. He'll makes a nice chaser in time,” said Moore.

“He's not essentially a summer horse. He goes on good ground but he wouldn't want it very soft. They've done a good job on the track here."

The winner carries the same colours as star chaser Simonsig and Moore added: “It's nice to get a winner for Ronnie again.”

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)