Favourite averts shock in Dundalk opener

Strategic Heights just gained the day as the 11/4 favorite in the opening www.dundalkstadium.com Handicap, averting a 50/1 shock as outsider Rattling Jewel lost out by a nose.

The Johnny Feane-trained and Gary Halpin-ridden Strategic Heights was always favoured on the betting exchanges in the market on the photo and there was a length and a half and a neck back to the third and fourth, Sassaway and Little Sweetheart

Well-backed 7/2 shot Coto could manage no better than eighth.

"I always stand at the furlong pole and when he was coming past me he wasn't doing a stroke," said Feane.

"Gary gave him a fabulous ride, he was very very strong. His 5lb claim is a huge asset.

"He was down to a mark he had to win off."

(GC & EM)