O'Brien 1,3 in Cross Square Hotel race

One towards the top of the market, Zanjabeel (5/1) blotted his copybook by refusing to race, but that'll have mattered little to Joseph O'Brien as he saddled a one — three in the Cross Square Hotel, Crossmaglen Handicap at Dundalk. O'Brien's sister Ana partnered the one that led them home, 5/1 shot, Udogo

"He overturned the form with Song Of Love (finished 2nd to that stable companion on December 23rd) but was better off at the weights today. He did it well and is a tough little horse," reported the successful rider.

Owned like the third placer, Song Of Love, by the Annus Mirabilis Syndicate, Udogo got the better of Specific Gravity by half a length.

Udogo chased the leader in second, improving to lead under two furlongs out, from the favourite, Maincin.

Soon ridden, the victorious Lucky Story gelding was strongly pressed inside the final furlong, but he stayed on well close home to seal the deal.

(AM & EM)