Mr Jack Daniels has proved a great money-spinner for connections in recent weeks, and he completed a hat-trick under Fran Berry when successful again in the ten furlongs handicap.
The four-year-old gelding raced quite keenly off a sedate pace but picked up well in the straight, leading just under a furlong out to beat Anno Jubilo by a length and a half.
'He's one of those tough horses that's improving all the time, and we'll step him up to a mile and a half next for the Premier Handicap at the Curragh on Derby day,' said trainer Tony Mullins.
He added, 'His jumping was quite poor but we schooled him again since his last Flat win and he's improved considerably. When the handicapper gets a hold of him he'll go hurdling.'
The market suggested the featured seven furlongs handicap would prove a wide open affair, and it produced an exciting finish with Absolute Image getting the better of Zarandja.
Pat Smullen's mount led over a furlong out but the grey gelding only asserted in the closing stages to score by 3/4L after Zarandja threw down a renewed effort.
'I thought he had enough weight beforehand and Pat gave him a good ride. We'll go for another handicap,' commented trainer Dermot Weld afterwards.
Weld later completed a double when Ebony Shades rallied in the final strides under an inspired Nina Carberry to deny Reisk Superman by a head in the amateur riders maiden.
The Tom McCourt-trained Common Venture did the bookmakers a big favour when finally opening his account at the age of seven in division two of the 40-70 rated 9f handicap.
The 20/1 chance (paid 72.50 on the Tote) swooped inside the final furlong for Niall McCullagh to overhaul 9/4 fav Koukalova by 1/2L, and could turn out again at Down Royal on Sunday.
Indeed McCourt was a shade unfortunate not to also take div 1 as Macpursie unshipped Tadgh O'Shea and ran loose for some time prior to finishing 1L runner-up to Annamone Boy (Padraig Beggy).
Common Venture's win greatly contributed to the jackpot pool of 8,649 being rolled forward to Clonmel tomorrow evening.
Legs Lawlor benefited from a fine front-running ride by Seamus Heffernan in the opening mile fillies maiden, quickening off the home bend and just holding the late surge of Sogno Verde.
The evens favourite Loblolly Bay was unable to get a blow in after the winner's decisive move entering the straight and could only manage fifth.
Abigail Pett appreciated the addition of blinkers when landing the juvenile fillies maiden, striking the front a furlong out under Kevin Manning to beat Mist And Stone (3/1-9/4fav) by 1 1/2L.
Alan Magee
