Reality nails hotpot Modus Jim Bolger's New Reality got up close home to pip hotpot Modus Operandi in the Tipperary Town Maiden at the Limerick junction venue this evening. The Ballydoyle colt went to post a 4/11 shot in the mile-and-a-half contest having been narrowly denied on his seasonal debut at Cork. He made the running and had his rivals at work turning for home with New Reality the nearest pursuer throughout. Modus Operandi was asked for an effort passing the two pole and was pressed inside the final furlong as New Reality stayed on stoutly. Kevin Manning got a good tune from the New Approach gelding late on as he led in the dying strides for a head victory. The 16/1 (40/1 this morning) winner was making up over eight-and-a-half lengths on the runner-up having been sixth behind him 17 days ago. "Stepping up in trip brought about a little more improvement and the better ground helped. He's improving all the time,” said Manning afterwards. (Quotes by Tom Weekes)