Colin Keane and Ger Lyons teamed up for a double at Gowran Park this afternoon when Safari Quest kept on strongly to land the nine furlong maiden on the card.

The 15/8 favourite was soon prominent from his wide draw and disputed with Rekero for much.

Keane's mount edged ahead turning for home and was asked for an effort passing the two pole.

The Australia gelding stuck to his task well in the closing stages to post a two length success.

Shane Lyons said:- “We’re delighted to get that win out of the way. He’s been threatening but he’s a big-framed horse and was very weak. It’s taken him all this time to be strong enough for that maiden.

“He’s like his full-sister Roca Roma and will be a nice horse when he fills into his frame as a four-year-old.

“There could be a nice handicap in him next year. His sister improved from three to four and hopefully we’ll see the same from him.”

The race was off eight minutes late with Uco Valley getting loose at the start, only to do the same thing agin when caught and returned to the stalls area.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)