Prisoner's Dilemma leads home Dark Magic (centre) and Tyrconnell © Photo Healy Racing
The Johnny Levins trained Prisoner's Dilemma claimed the first divide of the Test Your Tipping Talents At PUNTERS.HOLLYWOODBETS.COM Every Dundalk Meeting Handicap.
A winner on the turf at Naas in June, the four-year-old chestnut finished a good third on his all-weather debut over the course and distance last month.
Sent off a 7/2 joint-favourite (from 9/2) this evening, the son of Toronado was soon settled behind the leaders by Donagh O'Connor and was ridden to the front over a furlong out.
Strongly pressed in the closing stages, he just done enough to hold off the late rattle of former stable mate Dark Magic by a head.
The runner-up was returned at 15/2 under Colin Keane for Tom Cleary, while Tyrconnell (7/2jfav) was another head back in third for Sarah Lynam.
Levins, who trains the winner for Epitome Racing, said: "He got a nice positive ride and, excuse the pun, Donagh took no prisoners!
"He's a nice horse and the only blips on his form were trainer error when I ran him on soft ground.
"We might give him a couple more runs up here and then give him a break. He should sneak into some big handicaps on the turf next summer.
"He's what I call a sharp miler so he gets away with the seven."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee