A beautiful snap of Dundalk as Lusis Naturea runs away with the opener under Oisin Orr© Photo Healy Racing
Former 'pointer' and bumper performer Lusis Naturea landed a gamble when turning the Bet & Watch At titanbet.co.uk Maiden at Dundalk into a procession.
Noel Kelly 's Multiplex gelding had shown promise on his two previous forays on the polytrack and he again had Oisin Orr in the plate.
Backed in from at least 6/1 when trading began on the extended ten furlong affair, into 5/2 second favouritism, Lusis Naturea was never far away before assuming command around two furlongs out.
The successful five-year-old soon powered away to defeat the similarly well-supported market-leader, Sir Raston by nine and a half lengths.
"He hesitated coming out of the stalls here the last few days but he came out well today. He got into a nice position, and travelled well," said Kelly.
"He's improved but it was a poor maiden. We'll see what rating he gets and he'll probably come back here for a handicap."
The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Sir Raston, ridden by P.J. Smullen, placed second and Tara Dylan ridden by L.F. Roche, placed third, where it appeared that both horses made contact when upsides.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judges placings' and took no further action.
(AM & EM)
