Gary Carson
Marnane eyeing Chester with Atom
Split The Atom and Wayne Lordan
© Photo Healy Racing
Split The Atom stayed on best down the outer to land the spoils in the Race & Stay At Crowne Plaza Dundalk Handicap.
Wayne Lordan held his mount up in the seven-furlong contest and asked him to take closer order a furlong-and-a-half from home.
David Marnane 's charge stayed on to challenge inside the final furlong and got on top in the last 50 yards to deny Tribal Path by three-parts-of-a-length.
The 9/2 winner was narrowly headed on his last visit to the course having previously landed a claimer at the venue.
"He's been running great all year, and seems to have turned a corner since he won the claimer. He's got a bit of confidence,” said Marnane.
"We'll see what the handicapper does with him. He's okay on the turf as well and I'd like to get to Chester. He's plenty of options and seems to take his racing well."
(Quotes by Alan Magee)