9.10 1m. 2f. 150yds. 4-y-o plus 9 Ran
CRE Property Management H´cap (Rated 60-100) of €25,500.00 4-y-o plus 1st - €16,600.50, 2nd - €5,100.00, 3rd - €2,550.00, 4th - €1,020.00

Decent dual-purpose performer Balakan got his year off to a perfect start with a gutsy victory on his first all-weather start.

He looked booked for second when well-backed favourite Green Tabasco (7/4 to 11/8) edged ahead at the furlong marker but stayed on gamely to get back in front again inside the final furlong and he was pulling away at the line.

Trainer Michael Halford revealed that his charge had worked well on the surface last week. He could switch back to hurdles for a handicap at Fairyhouse if the ground dries up.

Green Tabasco looked set to land his hat-trick at the course but couldn't maintain his effort in the final furlong and weakened in the closing stages.

Nora Chrissie (16/1) was nibbled at big prices in the morning and ran well in third. She was ridden into third a furlong out and kept at it well to get within a head of the runner-up.

Arviz ran a sound race but was making no impression in fourth from over a furlong out.

Lake Pontchartrain was on his toes going out and was taken down early. He was ridden in fifth under two furlongs out and was soon done with.

The blinkered Ashby raced keenly behind the leaders and weakened from two furlongs out.