Kilclispeen, second right, lays down his challenge in Punchestown© Photo Healy Racing
Aidan O'Brien's Kilclispeen timed it right as he got up in the shadow of the post to nail Matchaway in Punchestown's bumper.
The 8/1 shot raced prominently under Sarah O'Brien in the JP McManus silks. The five-year-old gelding was predominantly third with Free Stone Hill and Matchaway in front of him.
Approaching the home turn and Matchaway and Jamie Codd hit the front. Kilclispeen followed him through in second. Inside the two pole Codd poached a lead of a couple of lengths and was working hard on Matchaway.
Kilclispeen and Cottersrock were hard ridden to try and chase him down. Kilclispeen started to stay on with a furlong to race and he drew alongside Matchaway close home before getting his head in front on the line.
The runner-up was returned at 12/1 and he went down by a neck. The well-backed Peregrine Run came in third just a head in front of Cottersrock.
Peregrine Run had been 12/1 in the morning and went off at 7/2. He was two and a half lengths behind the runner-up. Touch A Million the 9/4 favourite, finished fifth.
Aidan O'Brien said: "Joseph (O'Brien) thought he had really progressed and was happy with him. He stays well and likes nice ground. He might sharpen up after that."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
