Front-running works a treat for Rock

Pakens Rock produced a game front-running performance to get off the mark over jumps in the opening Kenny Development Maiden Hurdle at Galway.

Barry Murphy 's charge won a bumper at Thurles last November and after finishing runner-up on his hurdling debut at Ballinrobe this May had been beaten favourite on his last two outings.

Returning after a slight break today he was second choice in the mark, at 5/2, behind easy to back 5/6 favourite Future Proof

Sean O'Keeffe soon had his mount to the fore and he was in front from the second hurdle in the two-miler. Whatwasthatabout who had disputed the early lead, threw down a challenge again jumping the penultimate flight.

Having shook off his attentions after the last Pakens Rock held the late run of Mooltazem to record a length success.

Murphy said afterwards:- "We went back to the old tactics that worked at Ballinrobe, being up there fighting and enjoying it.

"He jumped quite well and he'll have to go the novice route now. He is a nice horse, we won't aim too high but the big guns have to come out yet and we'll hope to sneak somewhere along the way.

"I think with ease in the ground and running up the hill was a help today as he was dropping back to two miles."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)