The betting wasn't much use to punters in determining the likely outcome of the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Auction Maiden at Dundalk as the friendless Verbal Honesty (2/1 this morning out to 9/2) just held the 10/1 shot Angela's Dream by a head.

Trainer of the latter, Ger Lyons also had Toccata Blue in the line-up (10/1 this morning into 13/2) but that one, along with the other 'money' horses, English raider Tiger Sunset (5/1 this morning into 7/2) and favourite Gathering Power (5/4 this morning into 10/11) couldn't raise their efforts at the business end.

Rory Cleary rode Verbal Honesty (received a 10K Racing Post bonus) for Jim Bolger and the midlands jockey said: "She jumped well and travelled smartly. She did everything right and hopefully she'll improve for that."

Meanwhile Ger Flynn, representing Bolger, said: "She's a nice filly and showed plenty of speed. Rory was very happy with her. That's 2 from 2 (after Dawn Approach's 2yo success in the opener at the Curragh on Sunday) just like last year." (MG & EM)