Expert asserts late to land opener Independent Expert stayed on stoutly inside the final furlong to justify her short price in the opening optional claimer at Dundalk. The Stephen Thorne-trained filly was sent to post an even-money shot in the seven furlong contest. Front-runner Minaun View had her rivals at work passing the two pole but Jack Kearney got a good tune from Independent Expert as she got on top in the closing stages for a length-and-a-quarter win. Kearney said: "She got away with it (trip) today in that grade, but she is a proper miler. "I think she will even get a mile and a-quarter up on this surface. "She's made genuine, she goes through any ground. "She's been great all year running in big handicaps. Just a drop in grade got her confidence up. "I've stuck with her all year and I got one winner on her and now another one. It is great for everyone involved and Stephen Mooney and Stephen Thorne. "Exactly (been a while since his last winner), but sure everyone goes through that. I'm riding in nice races now and getting plenty of opportunities. You just have to keep your head down and keep going. "We had a great winter up here (last season). The start of the year and the middle half was very good, it has just been a bit quiet in the last six to eight weeks. "He (Thorne) has a good few to show his hand, so hopefully I get on a few of them." There was drama at the start of the race as 25/1 shot Brosna Green fly lept from the stalls and unseated Rory Mulligan. Thankfully the rider was soon to his feet. The runner-up Minaun View was claimed by Paul Hardman for €15,000 to be trained by Noel Kelly. (Quotes by Michael Graham)
