< Belle's Ridge finally earned his reward for consistency when taking the Blue Thunder Fast Foods Median Auction Maiden without breaking sweat.
Tim Doyle's four-year-old, placed seven times in 13 previous starts, was given a patient ride by Billy Lee as Shanghai Star attempted to make all in the nine-furlong contest.
The 4-5 favourite eased up to the shoulder of the leader in the final furlong and it was quickly over as he quickened away to score by an effortless two lengths when asked.
Doyle now plans to run his charge in a one-mile handicap at Galway next Wednesday.< Keen Look (9-1) was another to score with something in hand as Ger Keane's nine-year-old defied top-weight in the Paddy Smyth Memorial Handicap, winning by an eased-down half-length under Fran Berry.
Berry doubled up when making hay in front on Austin Leahy's Aseasyas (7-1) in the Cummins Homevalue Hardware Handicap.
The title-leading rider got a soft lead and took full advantage in recording a comfortable one-and-three-quarter-length verdict over Rock And Roll Kid
The John Quinn-trained Vivid Exposure ran on stoutly to land the 12-furlong Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Coranna Handicap.
Emmett McNamara wasn't hanging about on the four-year-old, who was always close to the leaders and went on with fully half a mile to run, where Dalwich and favourite Compton Court gave chase.
These three battled it out, but Vivid Exposure (16-1) nipped smartly round the bends and stuck on when required to repel the latter's late surge by a neck.< Clear Gold s winning run came to an end when Faith Leg (12-1) got the better of a battle with Willie Mullins' 5-2 favourite in the Centra Handicap Chase.
© www.irish-racing.com
