Graduate has classic ambitions

Notable Graduate looked better the further he went as he claimed the opening conditions race at Gowran Park.

Sent off the 1/6 favourite Dermot Weld's charge made every yard and always looked in control in the mile-and-a-half event which attracted only three runners.

Pat Smullen asked his mount for an effort two furlongs out and he hit top gear inside the final furlong, pulling clear on the run to the line.

He was easing down past the line to record a three-and-a-half length verdict over Last Crusade Gort Na Mona was five lengths back in third.

"He only does what he has to do but he's a gorgeous big staying horse. He's relaxed, genuine and true," said Weld of the Moyglare-owned colt.

"Pat said it wasn't ideal that he had to make his own running but he had the race settled in two strides.

"The next logical step is to run in the Nijinsky Stakes at Leopardstown on June 9th and if he ran well there I may consider the Irish Derby.

"Further down the road he might be an English Leger horse."