Paul could go for a 3rd on Friday night

In all his time Tsar Paul has never gone 'back to back' but at the age of nine he accomplished that feat in eye-catching fashion under Ana O'Brien in the Crowne Plaza Of Dundalk Handicap.

On the mark here just last Friday night, the veteran Xaar gelding closed up behind horses two furlongs out. Times In Anatefka looked a winner when getting to the front a furlong out but Tsar Paul was soon in full flow, having been switched out to deliver his challenge a furlong and a half out.

James Nash 's charge came home strong to lead in the final fifty yards, for a one length verdict over Times In Anatefka at the line.

"He's in again on Friday but you could hardly win three times in a week with a nine-year-old! If he comes out of this race okay he could run again," pondered Nash.

"When would you get as good a chance of winning again?

"He travelled brilliant through the race tonight."

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Iontas trained by M.Halford, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(AM & EM)