Xpress too sharp for rivals in Dundalk opener

Sam's Xpress blitzed his rivals with an impressive front-running performance in the opening five-furlong handicap at Dundalk.

Oisin McSweeney bounced out to lead on the Kieran Cotter-trained gelding who had opened his account over six here last month.

The 10/3 favourite had the legs of his rivals early and travelled easily in the lead down the straight.

McSweeney asked his mount to quicken away over a furlong from home and he galloped on strongly in the closing stages to post a three-and-three-quarters length success over Teddy Boy

"He got a 13lb penalty the last day but he was 4lb out of the handicap, so in effect he was 9lb and we claimed 5lb. So we were saying it was a 4lb penalty,” said Cotter.

"He has loads of boot, piles of boot. He showed a nice bit last year but had a bit of trouble with sore shins and that.

"He won nicely.

"He could turn out next week on Sunday in a three-year-old only handicap in Naas or we might look for a decent pot for him, we'll see what the handicapper does.

"I think the dam is a half-sister to the good horse that Ger Lyons has, Power Under Me, so that is where it (pace) comes from.

"His full brother (Bodean) runs over a mile here later."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)