Moscow Express landed the 2 1/2m conditions chase for the second successive year as the four day Killarney July meeting got off to a rainy start.
However Frances Crowley's charge only just prevailed by a shorthead from Monty's Pass, and the latter is likely to be all the rage for the Compaq Galway Plate.
The weights for the Ballybrit feature were released today, with '99 winner Moscow Express allotted 12.02 and Monty's Pass (8.13) set to race off the minimum 9.07.
This represents a difference of 25lb compared with this evenings weights, and Jimmy Mangan is hopeful that Paul Carberry will again ride Monty's Pass.
Crowley confirmed afterwards that Private Peace, a further 4L adrift in third, will also head to Galway.
The Piltown trainer later completed a mixed double when Carrigavantry benefitted from a strong drive by Pat Smullen to outpoint Frametti by a neck in the 0-75 handicap.
Ha-Pa (12/1 but paid 48.40 on the Tote) drifted about in the straight under Timmy Houlihan before coming home 2L clear of Buzz Two in the 0-60 1m3f handicap.
The 2m1f handicap provided a thrilling three-way photo, with Tower Project (Wayne Lordan) rallying gamely on the far rail to touch off Load And Lock.
Arkaga (5/2-7/4f) made all under Pat Cosgrave in the 2yo maiden, although Kevin Prendergast's charge needed to be ridden right out to hold Brooklyn by a head.
Just Two (Conor O'Dwyer) may be sent chasing at Ballinrobe next week after finally opening his account over timber when leading before the last in the maiden hurdle.
Jasmin D'Oudairies (3/1-9/2f) stretched clear inside the final furlong for James Nash to beat Hunters Bar by 9L in the bumper.
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