Optimism And Hope battles her way to victory

Tommy Stack's Optimism And Hope looked sure to be headed by Little Fisc but she kept at it well to land the opening mile median auction maiden in Bellewstown.

It was Optimism And Hope who shot out of the gates to lead from Fantastic Secret as Little Fisc, on debut, disputed third with Bonfire Bank

Little Fisc was switched out at the two pole by Billy Lee and came with a strong challenge with 150 yards to race. Optimism And Hope, who had just seen off the even-money-favourite Fantastic Secret, appeared to be a sitting duck but she gamely responded to Wayne Lordan's urgings and refused to be headed.

The winner was returned at 6/5 (from an opening show of 9/10) while Little Fisc in second was a 20/1 shot. The winner distance was a short head. Fantastic Secret couldn't go with the front two at the 100 yard marker and was two and a half lengths adrift in third at the line.

Assistant trainer Fozzy Stack said: "Wayne thought she got headed and she battled back well and got the trip well. I'd say there was plenty in the tank as she was pricking her ears. Michael (Begley, owner/breeder) would love to get some black type for her."

Optimism And Hope and Fantastic Secret were the only horses in this five-runner race with previous experience. Optimism And Hope had been fifth in Limerick while Fantastic Secret finished third at the Curragh.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee