Saga Eiger and Rory Cleary © Photo Healy Racing
Rory Cleary got in on the double-act when partnering his own brace aboard Saga Eiger in the mile maiden at Dundalk. Knight Of Bangkok cut out the running but was tracked throughout by James Barrett's charge.
He took over with over two furlongs to run and skipped a few lengths clear before the furlong marker.
Cleary kept his mount going inside the final furlong to post a three-quarter-length verdict over To Choose who stayed on in second place.
The winner was easy to back this morning (7/4 out to 3/1) and after an initial drift on course from 3/1 to 7/2 was returned the 3/1 favourite.
The Whipper colt had been well beaten on two starts last March before a break and had shown more when last seen here in December, finishing third behind Lily Of Kenmare over this trip.
“He had a few niggly problems last year,” revealed Thurles handler Barrett.
“He improved form his last run and everything worked out well today. When he steps up in trip again you should see more improvement.”
Cleary had also partnered Cash Or Casualty to success in the second race. He and Pat Smullen shared the first four contests between them.
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
