Mazandaran (2nd left) breaks from stall 9 © Photo Healy Racing
Mazandaran was all out to land the odds in the ten furlong maiden at Dundalk.
The Tiger Hill colt, landing a double for trainer Mick Halford, was sent off a 2/5 shot and tracked the leaders.
Shane Foley's mount improved to challenge two furlongs out as the Paul Deegan-trained Dubai Deer hit the front.
The hotpot edged ahead at the furlong pole as another Deegan runner, Bint Nayef joined in.
Mazandaran had to work hard as Dubai Deer just cried enough close home but Bint Nayef pushed him hard to the line for a short-head success.
The winner had just been held by a neck on his debut here last month. His price collapsed before racing after the fellow Aga Khan-owned Mourani was taken out lame.
“It was a bit messy as they went steady and it got into a sprint,” said Halford afterwards.
“He stays well and has lots of heart. We'll step him up further in trip and he's the type that'll improve as he's got plenty of scope.
“He's from the same family as Massiyn (who was just touched off in last years Irish Leger).”
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
