Rock looks smart sort for Weld

Fascinating Rock looked a smart prospect when claiming the ten furlong maiden for colts at Leopardstown this afternoon.

Pat Smullen gave the son of Fastnet Rock a confident ride as he arrived to challenge over a furlong out.

He hit the front inside the final furlong and went on to record a length victory over Adjusted

4/5 favourite Marakoush was two-and-a-half lengths back in third. The winner ran just once last year when sixth in a mile maiden at the course in October.

“It was a very pleasing performance from potentially a very nice horse,” said Weld.

“We'll see how he comes out of the race but we were thinking that If everything went according to plan he could go for the Ballysax Stakes at Navan in two weeks time.

“It's maybe a little bit soon but it's a group race that comes up for him. Hopefully he has a lot of improvement in him.

“It was a lovely performance there but on nice ground you could see an even better performance as he's bred to appreciate top of the ground.

“He was one horse over the winter that did very well He's the one horse that we thought could be a surprise package and come forward.

“He potentially has a lot of ability.”