The suspicion that the market leaders Bertie Le Belge and Smuggler's Cove were racing early enough in Dundalk's feature only goes to heighten the wow factor created by the success of the latter.

This Listed Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Star Appeal Stakes saw Bertie Le Belge (13/8) just head off Smuggler's Cove (7/4) for the position of favouritism and the respective jockeys were keen to test the mettle of their chief opponent.

Joseph O'Brien 's mount Smuggler's Cove extended away from the two furlong pole and he stayed on strongly in the final furlong to slam Orcia by seven lengths. Bertie Le Belge faded into fifth.

"He really stepped up after his run in Listowel and he's done nothing but improve.

"The quicker surface here was a big help and he bolted in," enthused O'Brien.

He added: "A hundred yards out I saw the big screen and I couldn't believe how far I was clear.

"He could go for something like the Racing Post Trophy and he's an exciting horse by an exciting stallion (Fastnet Rock)."

The time of one minute twenty three point eight eight (1m 23.88) compares pretty favourably with the course record of one twenty two point seven (1m 22.7).

Flic Flac, Sunset Beauty and Joe Eile have all achieved that benchmark time. (AM & EM)