Pat Flynn has high hopes with Designs On Rome after he opened his account in the first at Naas this afternoon.

The Group One National stakes is the target for the son of Holy Roman Emperor after his two-length success in the seven-furlong maiden.

Danny Grant produced the 9/2 shot to lead at the furlong pole and he galloped on strongly inside the final furlong.

3/1 favourite Mouteab stayed on late to grab the runner-up spot without looking a serious threat.

The winner was making his third start and his first since he finished fourth in a Curragh event back in May.

"I said early on that he was one of the best I've trained," said Flynn afterwards.

"He's in the National Stakes and will go there. He's a proper horse and is still a bit weak.

"He's given us a great feel since the day he was broke. He's back from a break today and maybe needed the run a bit but Danny said he won easily."