Samui leads home his rivals under Jamie Codd© Photo Healy Racing
Samui justified favouritism in the Christopher Dunne Memorial (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race, running out a comfortable winner under Jamie Codd for Gordon Elliott.
One of 10 newcomers in the 12 strong field, the son of Siyouni was sent off a 3/1 chance in the colours of Allan Snow, who was also in the winners enclosure with The Goffer at the Dublin Racing Festival last weekend.
Bought for 32,000 pounds at Tattersalls last October, the bay victor was settled behind the leader on the rail, coming with his challenge from the two-furlong pole.
Ridden to lead with just over a furlong to race, he stretched clear in the closing stages and came home five-and-a-half lengths to the good.
The front-running Cappucino (4/1) ultimately had to settle for second under Finian Maguire for Liz Doyle, while Topgun Simmy (9/1 from 50s) was another four lengths back in third.
Well-backed from an overnight price of 33/1, Shengai Enki (13/2) finished a disappointing ninth.
"He's a grand horse, there is plenty of improvement in him too as he had a good blow after the race," said Elliott.
"We like him, he goes well. He's definitely a nice horse.
"Jamie said he was still green and only when he got there did he put his head out and actually gallop.
"He probably wouldn't go on real winter heavy ground."
When asked if he could travel to Cheltenham Elliott added: "You never know, we'll see."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
