Spectre makes the breakthrough with Ulster Derby now the plan

The Jessica Harrington-trained Dubawi Spectre made the breakthrough in the Bet With Tote At Fairyhouse Handicap, despite proving easy to back.

Beaten by less than a length on each of his last three starts, the 78-rated bay, who was bought for 410,000 pounds as a yearling, certainly wasn't winning out of turn.

As short as 9/4 in early shows, he eventually went off an 11/2 chance under Scott McCullagh.

Settled towards rear, he took closer order from early in the straight and slipped through on the inner to lead with just over a furlong to go.

Ridden from there, he was kept up to his work all the way to the line, coming home two lengths to the good on what was his first try over a mile-and-a-half.

The Noel Meade-trained Union Flag (5/1) ran well to take second under Colin Keane, while Blazing Sunset (4/5f) faded in the closing stages, eventually finishing a disappointing fourth.

"I'm delighted with that. That was nearly too cool a ride for my liking!", assistant trainer Kate Harrington said.

"Scott gave him a cracking ride. Going up to a mile-and-a-half today really suited him and Scott said he'll stay a mile-and-six. He really enjoyed stepping up in trip.

"He's in the Ulster Derby in two weeks time and I'd imagine that's where he'll go, all being well.

"We've always thought an awful lot of this horse and I think maybe he's just been crying out for that trip. He's got it now and hopefully it's onwards and upwards."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson