Cosmic Vega relished the heavy ground to land the one-mile conditions race under Ronan Whelan.

Fifth in a Listed race at Leopardstown last month where Emporio was three places in front of him, Michael Halford's four-year-old reversed form with that rival on this occasion. Having sat second, he led travelling strongly two furlongs out and kept going well enough to hold Emporio by three parts of a length.

Group 1 winner Helvic Dream sent off 11/8 favourite, was towards the rear throughout and beat only one home.

“We had to play our hand as it's the end of the year and he loves soft ground,” said Halford.

“We said we'd take our chance, the conditions (of the race) weren't ideal for him, but he still has his summer coat and looks great. Some of the horses don't hold their form at this time of year and I felt he was in great form.

“It wasn't a surprise to win with the way conditions are.

“He's not in any sales and the people that own him bred him as well so they'll enjoy the journey with him. Who is to say he won't get better and he might even get a bit of black-type some day in these conditions. He's learning to settle better.”

Quotes from Gary Carson