Snaffles clearly a horse to follow

Snaffles put in a sparkling display to win the seven furlong Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden in Down Royal by five lengths.

He went off favourite on debut at Leopardstown but found trouble in running before keeping on for a never nearer fifth.

There were no such problems today for the 8/15 favourite who glided into the lead a furlong and a half out and readily drew clear under Shane Crosse without being extended.

Once Nawraq was passed by Snaffles, he had no answers but did take second at 8/1.

Assistant trainer Brendan Powell said: "He's a nice horse. He got into all sorts of trouble in Leopardstown first time out. I know they liked him at home. He was, yes (an eye-catcher the way he finished in Leopardstown) - early on he just got into all sorts of bother and couldn't get a run and ran on nicely.

"I know Joseph (O'Brien) has always thought the world of him. He's such a laid-back, relaxed horse and you don't know what is in the tank.

"This wouldn't be his ideal track, but it was the right race for him. Shane (Crosse) said he travelled lovely and found a lovely turn of foot. He said if he had given him a smack, he doesn't know where he would have ended up! There is so much improvement in him, you wouldn't know what is there. He could be a very nice horse."

On his Group 2 entries, including over Irish Champions Weekend, he said: "I'm sure he will be getting black-type along the line. That is obviously up to Joseph and the owners, but he is a smart horse for the future."