Morning much too good for Dundalk rivals

The first divide of the Friday Night Lights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap looked an open affair on paper, but it turned into a one horse race, with Morning Approach coming home six-lengths to the good.

Third and fourth on her last two starts, the Willie McCreery-trained six-year-old proved easy to back this evening, drifting from 11/4 to a starting price of 4/1.

Still returned favourite, the 61-rated bay raced in mid-division under Jack Kearney and was switched wide entering the straight.

Improving to lead a furlong and a half from home, she soon shot clear, with 16/1 chance Esticky End the best of the rest in second.

Also returned at 16/1, Master Garvey was a head back in third.

"I think Jack was very positive on her, sat in a lovely position and she loved that," McCreery commented.

"He sat more forward than Billy (Lee) has in the last five with her and he warmed her up well.

"He gave her a lovely ride. He is well worth his 5lb (claim).

"He rode her before and he was only beaten a head on her the last time (at Dundalk in December last year), so we were pleased to put him back on her.

"In fairness, you don't run too bad and you never get a pound back (from handicapper)!"

STEWARDS REPORT

D.W. O'Connor, rider of Zahee trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was very slowly into stride.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham