Dream Applause (nearest) gets the better of Via Ballycroy in the opener at Leopardstown© Photo Healy Racing
The Ken Condon trained Dream Applause sprang a 12/1 surprise in the opener at Leopardstown this evening the Foxrock Fillies Maiden over six furlongs.
Ridden by young apprentice Ross Coakley, the 4yo daughter of Royal Applause made most of the running and was ridden two furlongs out.
She was joined and strongly pressed a furlong from home by the 2/1 favourite Via Ballycroy for Shane Foley and Mick Halford, but she stayed on best to just regain the lead close home and win by a short head at the line.
Via Ballycroy had to settle for second while Susiescot was placed yet again a further half a length back in third under Leigh Roche for Willie McCreery at 4/1.
Winning trainer Ken Condon said afterwards: "That was her twelfth start and she had bits and pieces of form.
"I prefered staying in maidens than handicaps, she is better off on the weight to age scale.
"The turning track helped her tonight and Ross's claim was a factor. He kept her going well and it helps around here if you can get around the bend on the inside.
"She will go for a little handicap next."
(On-course reporting by Michael Graham)
