Mehman built upon a promising third in Navan when landing the opening five-furlong handicap at Dundalk.

The 3/1 shot soon raced in mid-division for Shane Foley and was ridden into contention approaching the final two furlongs.

He got the measure of Troy Top at the furlong pole and kept on well to score by a comfortable length and a half from Eglish 10/1. There was a dead heat for third involving Sosallycanwait (50/1) and 9/4 favourite Inishmot Prince who got in as first reserve when Pillar was ruled out.

Trainer Ger O'Leary said: "He was very calm and relaxed, we had him up here on Tuesday and he had a look around.

"The draw was ideal, we were very pleased to get the outside draw. It gave us options without traffic problems.

"Shane said he is still a big baby and that he did it nicely.

"You can see the horse is lengthening and growing, he's 16.2 and he just has grown into his frame. We were letting him grow into his frame as there was no point in coming back in March/April time and running him in the muck.

"He's a decent horse and we will go on to Down Royal on Monday. We'll get into our handicap now with our penalty."