Hi Emperor has Ascot target

Hi Emperor ran out a cosy winner of the Great Value Social Package Handicap, scoring under Connor King for David Marnane.

The son of Choisir won two handicaps last year at Fairyhouse and the Curragh and he was backed on-course from 11/2 to 4/1 today before easing out to 5/1 at the off.

Settled behind the leaders he was fourth turning into the straight. He improved into third a furlong out and was pushed to the front inside the final furlong, going on to score by half a length.

Bubby Bellini (5/1) ran a fine race to finish second under Declan McDonogh for Adrian McGuinness, while Trinity Force (10/3) was a further three parts of a length back in third. Strait Of Zanzibar was backed from 4/1 to 9/4 on-course but he could only manage a disappointing fifth under Billy Lee for Ken Condon.

David Marnane said afterwards: "He's a fine big horse who wants fast ground and a very good gallop.

"We'll look at Naas next week with him and while he needs to go up a few pounds to get into the race, I'd like him to run in the Victoria Cup (May 9th at Ascot)."

The winner is owned by Roy Nicholls, Paul Duffin and Laurence O'Kane.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes