Andrew Oliver's confidence in Elusive Award proved justified as the colt maintained his unbeaten record in the Dining Specials At Dundalk Stadium Race at the all-weather venue.
An impressive winner on his debut, Oliver immediately talked of some lofty targets for the son of Elusive Quality.
And while the the 9-2 shot had to work hard to fend off Miracle Match and Velvet Flicker he prevailed by a head and a head.
"He wants good ground and I brought him here as I thought it was the ideal race to educate him further. Kevin (Manning) felt he learned a lot from it," said Oliver.
"The plan remains the same - to go for the Beresford Stakes, providing the ground is good, and then the Racing Post Trophy."
Aidan O'Brien's newcomer Fencing Master was allowed to go off at 5-1 on his debut in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden but scored at the first time of asking.
Johnny Murtagh was hard at work some way out but the newcomer stuck to his task to repel Moonreach by a neck.
O'Brien and Murtagh doubled up in the Fairways Hotel Race & Stay Package Handicap with Man Of Iron who led one a stable one-two-three.< Crowfoot and Chief Lone Eagle took the minor honours.
Willie McCreery saddled a one-two in the Group Discounts At Dundalk Stadium Maiden as Oasis Fire (7-1) led home Fedora
"She deserved it - she's been knocking on the door," said McCreery.
"Keagan (Latham) gave her a great ride in Naas but she just got pipped. I'm happy she's won a maiden as she's well bred. We'll hang on to her for next year."
