Batchelors off the mark

Batchelors Star stayed on nicely inside the final furlong to claim the opening maiden at Cork.

2/1 favourite Ballroom attempted to make all in the six furlong contest but couldn't hold the late surge of Willie McCreery's charge.

Pat Smullen drove his mount into the lead with 100 yards to run and he then held the late finish of Fred Fenster for a half length success.

The was a bit of money for the winner, who opened at 7/2 on course and was returned 11/4.

The runner-up was perhaps a shade unlucky with Keagan Latham losing his stick inside the final furlong.

"Pat gave him a lovely ride and things went exactly to plan," said McCreery afterwards.

"I told him to arrive as late as possible and it worked out ideally. He loves fast ground and I think he's better than that.

"He's still very babyish and we won't rush him. We've no immediate plans but he could go six or seven furlongs just about anywhere."

Gary Carson